Russia's Tech Giants Adopt AI Code of Ethics in Bid for Trust

Strategic Insights -

Russia's largest tech companies, including Sber, Yandex, MTS, VK, Gazprom Neft, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), have adopted an AI code of ethics, drafted by the Artificial Intelligence Alliance. The document aims to establish a human-centric and humanistic approach to AI development, emphasizing principles such as non-discrimination, data security, and information security. The AI Code of Ethics is set to become a recommendation document for all AI market participants, including government, business, and foreign developers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AI Code of Ethics was signed by Russia's largest tech companies, including Sber, Yandex, MTS, VK, Gazprom Neft, and RDIF, as well as leading research organizations.
  • The code enshrines a human-centric and humanistic approach to AI development, emphasizing principles such as non-discrimination, data security, and information security.
  • The AI Code of Ethics will serve as a key social responsibility element for companies developing and implementing AI technology in Russia.
  • The code provides for the creation of a National AI Ethics Commission, ethics commissioners, and industry ethics bodies to ensure compliance.
  • The Artificial Intelligence Alliance will develop methodological recommendations and best practices for dealing with emerging ethical issues in the AI life cycle.
  • The AI Code of Ethics was prepared with the support of the Presidential Executive Office, the Analytical Center, and the Ministry of Economic Development.
  • The document underwent expert and public discussion on platforms hosted by Digital Economy, the Federation Council, and the Civic Chamber.
  • Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank's first deputy chairman, emphasized the importance of defining rules for ethical AI use to build trust among citizens.
  • Vyacheslav Nikolaev, MTS president, highlighted the potential of AI to drive breakthroughs in healthcare and education while requiring clear principles for its social benefit.
  • Anatoly Braverman, RDIF's first deputy CEO, stressed the need for effective interaction among AI market participants and the creation of success stories through joint effort.

Statistics:

  • Number of tech companies signing the AI Code of Ethics: 6
  • Organizations supporting the AI Code of Ethics development: 3 (Presidential Executive Office, Analytical Center, and Ministry of Economic Development)
  • Platforms hosting expert and public discussion: 3 (Digital Economy, Federation Council, and Civic Chamber)

Sources:

  • Sberbank press release
  • Artificial Intelligence Alliance's statement
  • Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) press release
  • MTS press release
  • Yandex press release
  • Gazprom Neft press release
  • VK press release
  • Presidential Executive Office press release
  • Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation press release
  • Ministry of Economic Development press release