Human-centred values and fairness (Principle 1.2)
AI systems should be designed in a way that respects the rule of law, human rights, democratic values and diversity, and should include appropriate safeguards to ensure a fair and just society.
AI actors should respect the rule of law, human rights and democratic values, throughout the AI system lifecycle. These include freedom, dignity and autonomy, privacy and data protection, non-discrimination and equality, diversity, fairness, social justice, and internationally recognised labour rights.
To this end, AI actors should implement mechanisms and safeguards, such as capacity for human determination, that are appropriate to the context and consistent with the state of art.
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Rationale for this principle
AI should be developed consistent with human-centred values, such as fundamental freedoms, equality, fairness, rule of law, social justice, data protection and privacy, as well as consumer rights and commercial fairness.
Some applications or uses of AI systems have implications for human rights, including risks that human rights (as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)1 and human-centred values might be deliberately or accidently infringed. It is therefore important to promote “values-alignment” in AI systems (i.e., their design with appropriate safeguards) including capacity for human intervention and oversight, as appropriate to the context. This alignment can help ensure that AI systems’ behaviours protect and promote human rights and align with human-centred values throughout their operation. Remaining true to shared democratic values will help strengthen public trust in AI and support the use of AI to protect human rights and reduce discrimination or other unfair and/or unequal outcomes.
This principles also acknowledges the role of measures such as human rights impact assessments (HRIAs) and human rights due diligence, human determination (i.e., a “human in the loop”), codes of ethical conduct, or quality labels and certifications intended to promote human-centred values and fairness.
Other principles
Inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being
Human-centred values and fairness
Transparency and explainability
Robustness, security and safety
Accountability
Investing in AI R&D
Fostering a digital ecosystem for AI
Providing an enabling policy environment for AI
Building human capacity and preparing for labour market transition
