Module A.3 - Ethics-by-Design Concept
ModulesModule A.3 - Ethics-by-Design Concept
This module introduces the Ethics-by-Design approach to the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. It explains the importance of considering ethical issues from the beginning of the AI lifecycle and explores how ethical risks can be anticipated and addressed throughout the design and development process.
The module presents the seven key requirements for trustworthy AI and illustrates the practical consequences of failing to incorporate ethical considerations into AI systems. It also introduces the relationship between Ethics-by-Design, the EU AI Act, and trustworthy AI.
Learning Goals
- Understand the concept and purpose of Ethics-by-Design
- Recognise the importance of addressing ethical considerations throughout the AI lifecycle
- Understand the seven key requirements for trustworthy AI
- Identify potential ethical risks and their consequences in AI systems
- Understand how Ethics-by-Design can support the development of trustworthy AI
- Recognise the relationship between Ethics-by-Design and the EU AI Act
What is this about?
This module introduces Ethics-by-Design as an approach that integrates ethical considerations into AI systems from the beginning of their design and development. It explores the seven key requirements for trustworthy AI and uses practical examples to illustrate how ethical risks can arise and affect individuals and society.
The module also considers the role of Ethics-by-Design in supporting trustworthy AI and its relationship with the EU AI Act.Why is this important?
Considering ethical issues early in the development of AI systems can help identify and address potential risks before they result in harm. Understanding Ethics-by-Design helps learners recognise how issues such as bias, lack of transparency, inadequate human oversight, and privacy concerns can be considered throughout the AI lifecycle.
This provides an important foundation for assessing AI systems against the requirements for trustworthy AI and for understanding how ethical considerations relate to AI governance and regulation.Ethics-by-design Concept
When AI systems interact with human users, they directly influence cognition, decision-making, and behavior, shaping societal values, rights, and ethical norms. Ethics-by-Design is an approach that embeds ethical considerations into AI systems proactively from the very start of design and development, rather than attempting to rectify flaws post-deployment. Based on the European Commission's High-Level Expert Group guidelines for trustworthy AI, this methodology relies on seven core requirements: human agency and oversight, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data governance, transparency, diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, societal and environmental wellbeing, and accountability. Implementation spans three crucial layers—the Data Layer, Model Layer, and Deployment Layer. Failure to integrate ethical controls throughout these layers has led to severe real-world harms, including systemic algorithmic discrimination in hiring, risk assessment, healthcare allocation, and social benefit delivery. Consequently, Ethics-by-Design serves as a vital operational mechanism for complying with mandatory regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act (2024) and align with guidance like the ALTAI framework to ensure trustworthy AI.
The three layers of ethics-by-design
The image below illustrates the three layers of the ethics-by-design concept. Click on each "+" symbol to learn more about each layer.
Mapping Actions to the 3 Layers of Ethics-by-design
Drag each Ethics-by-Design action to its correct layer in the AI development lifecycle.
Drag and Drop: Mapping Actions to the 3 Layers of Ethics-by-design
Case Studies vs. Ethical Failure
Match each real-world case study to the primary ethics requirement that was violated.
Ethics-by-Design & EU AI Act
Drag and drop the words into the correct places.
Core Philosophy of Ethics-by-Design
Choose the correct answer for each question
What is this about?
This module introduces Ethics-by-Design as an approach that integrates ethical considerations into AI systems from the beginning of their design and development. It explores the seven key requirements for trustworthy AI and uses practical examples to illustrate how ethical risks can arise and affect individuals and society.
The module also considers the role of Ethics-by-Design in supporting trustworthy AI and its relationship with the EU AI Act.Why is this important?
Considering ethical issues early in the development of AI systems can help identify and address potential risks before they result in harm. Understanding Ethics-by-Design helps learners recognise how issues such as bias, lack of transparency, inadequate human oversight, and privacy concerns can be considered throughout the AI lifecycle.
This provides an important foundation for assessing AI systems against the requirements for trustworthy AI and for understanding how ethical considerations relate to AI governance and regulation.
