A4 Article in conference proceedings
“This is Just a Prototype” : How Ethics Are Ignored in Software Startup-Like Environments (2020)

Vakkuri, V., Kemell, K.K., & Jantunen, M. (2020). “This is Just a Prototype” : How Ethics Are Ignored in Software Startup-Like Environments. In V. Stray, R. Hoda, M. Paasivaara, & P. Kruchten (Eds.), Agile Processes in Software Engineering and Extreme Programming. 21st International Conference on Agile Software Development, XP 2020, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 8-12, 2020, Proceedings (pp. 195-210). Springer. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, 383. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49392-9_13

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Vakkuri, V.; Kemell, K. K.; Jantunen, M., Abrahamsson, P.

Parent publication: Agile Processes in Software Engineering and Extreme Programming. 21st International Conference on Agile Software Development, XP 2020, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 8-12, 2020, Proceedings

Parent publication editors: Stray, V.; Hoda, R.; Paasivaara, M.; Kruchten, P.

Place and date of conference: Copenhagen, Denmark, 8.-12.6.2020

ISBN: 978-3-030-49391-2

eISBN: 978-3-030-49392-9

Journal or series: Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing

ISSN: 1865-1348

eISSN: 1865-1356

Publication year: 2020

Number in series: 383

Pages range: 195-210

Number of pages in the book: 249

Publisher: Springer

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49392-9_13

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/69324

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions are becoming increasingly common in software development endeavors, and consequently exert a growing societal influence as well. Due to their unique nature, AI based systems influence a wide range of stakeholders with or without their consent, and thus the development of these systems necessitates a higher degree of ethical consideration than is currently carried out in most cases. Various practical examples of AI failures have also highlighted this need. However, there is only limited research on methods and tools for implementing AI ethics in software development, and we currently have little knowledge of the state of practice. In this study, we explore the state of the art in startup-like environments where majority of the AI software today gets developed. Based on a multiple case study, we discuss the current state of practice and highlight issues. The cases underline the complete ignorance of ethical consideration in AI endeavors. We also outline existing good practices that can already support the implementation of AI ethics, such as documentation and error handling.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; software development; ethicality; responsibility (properties); transparency; startup companies

Free keywords: artificial intelligence; AI ethics; AI development; practices; responsibility; accountability; transparency; case study

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1