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Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): Ethical concerns

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guide

Ethical Concerns

Generative AI tools can support learning and creativity but there are ethical concerns around accuracy, bias, data privacy, and academic integrity. Ulster University guidance promotes responsible, transparent use, encouraging critical evaluation, proper citation, and originality in assessed work, while fostering AI literacy and ethical engagement.

 

Ethical Considerations

Accuracy and Misinformation,  Bias and Stereotyping 

  • AI is only as accurate and up to date as the data it has been trained on.  It is important to be aware that AI-generated content may contain factual errors, false references, or misleading arguments.  AI tools recognise patterns in data sets and so can generate plausible-sounding content without true understanding of meaning.  Outputs can reflect and reinforce harmful biases contained in the training data.

There is a need to Evaluate AI Outputs Critically 

  • Cross-check facts and references from AI with reliable academic sources such as databases and search tools available from the Library.

Academic Integrity 

Use AI Responsibly 

  • Only use AI tools when permitted by your module or assignment guidelines. 

  • Avoid using AI to generate content for assessed work unless explicitly allowed. 

 Acknowledge AI Contributions 

  • Using AI-generated content without proper acknowledgment is considered academic misconduct. 

  • Clearly state when and how AI tools were used. 

  • Use proper referencing styles to cite AI-generated content.

  • Follow University Policies such as Ulster's Academic Misconduct Policy

Maintain Originality 

  • Ensure all submitted work reflects your own understanding, analysis, and voice. 

  • Use AI for support (e.g., brainstorming, structure planning), not as a substitute for your thinking. 

Data Privacy and Security 

  • Do not put personal, confidential, or copyrighted information into AI tools as this risks data misuse and breaches.  AI platforms may store or process this data and would be a breach of GDPR.

  • Check privacy policies and settings of AI tools you are using.

 

Further Information is available from

A pathway towards responsible, ethical AI - Jisc - Jisc

Leslie, D. (2019). Understanding artificial intelligence ethics and safety: A guide for the responsible design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector. The Alan Turing Institute. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3240529

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence | UNESCO