Discussion on AI ethics during a time of disruptive technological shifts

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

The rise of artificial intelligence has become one of the most disruptive technological shifts of our time.

From large language models shaping the way we communicate, to algorithms influencing financial markets, medical diagnostics, and even justice systems, AI is now deeply embedded in the fabric of modern life.

But AI also brings ethical concerns— from bias and inequality to data ownership and creative authorship.

With global powers competing to lead the AI race, the question is no longer whether AI should be used, but how it can be used responsibly.

To delve deeper into how we can coexist with artificial intelligence, we connect to Professor Agustin Rayo, Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Welcome to the program.

1. Professor Rayo, Generative AI such as OpenAI's models has already become an essential part of our daily lives. In your view, what has enabled AI to so rapidly integrate into our lives in such a short period of time?

2. As AI technologies advance at a rapid pace, AI ethics is being increasingly discussed. For starters could you explain what "AI ethics" exactly is? And why do you believe it should be emphasized, particularly at this point in time?

3. So in the context of AI ethics, issues like algorithmic bias and personal data protection have also emerged. From your perspective, what is the most critical ethical challenge that AI currently poses?

4. In a separate interview last year, you cited inequality as one of the major threats posed by AI. Could you elaborate on the reason for this? And what kind of real-world impact might inequality caused by flawed ethical standards have on our society?

5. Lately in Korea, there has been a trend where people used image-generating AI to transform their own photos into a style of Japanese animation, referred to as "Ghibli-style."

This sparked debates around copyright infringement and creative ethics.

To what extent do you think laws and ethical standards should intervene in AI-generated creative works?

6. Places such as the EU and South Korea are proposing various regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of AI. However, some critics argue that current AI regulations still remain vague. How do you think ethical standards should evolve in response to the advances in AI technology?

7. Some argue that AI ethics is not merely a technical issue, but a human one. As an expert in the field, what is your take on this perspective?

8. Educating those who develop and use AI seems crucial in cultivating ethical awareness and guiding the future direction of AI development. What educational initiatives has MIT introduced in this regard?

9. As the global AI race intensifies, there is still a long way to go in terms of implementing clear value standards and systematic institutionalization, either through private self-regulation or national frameworks. In your opinion, what approaches are necessary to ensure a balanced coexistence between humans and AI?