What does an impact assessment evaluate in the context of AI?

An impact assessment in the context of AI fundamentally evaluates the potential ethical and societal implications of an AI system. This process is crucial as it helps stakeholders understand how an AI implementation may affect individuals and communities, including concerns such as fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and potential biases. By focusing on these aspects, organizations can identify risks and opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with ethical standards and societal values.

This evaluation goes beyond just technical performance or efficiency metrics, as those typically focus on the functionality and operation of the AI system itself, rather than its broader implications on human lives and society. By incorporating ethical and societal considerations, impact assessments promote the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that they are beneficial and do not inadvertently harm specific groups or reinforce existing inequalities.