The accountancy profession is well placed to apply ethical thinking to the practical concerns of new technology. Accountants and auditors are increasingly using complex algorithms in performing their work and can use their skills to help organisations build ethical frameworks around the use of technology and help build trust in the use of complex AI systems.
Another important consideration for the profession is how to ensure that the Code of Ethics remains relevant and whether there are particular areas where guidance is needed. For instance, to what extent should accountants be overruling the outputs of AI systems and who is ultimately responsible for any failings.
The articles and reports on this page are dedicated to examining emerging technologies, how they are being used, the ethical challenges and risks involved, how these risks can be managed effectively, and potential implications for the Code of Ethics.
The artificial intelligence and machine learning boom has led to concerns about ‘black box’ models and systemic bias. A solution to this is to build explainable AI. Technical Manager David Lyford-Smith explores what that means and how it can be done.
Kirstin Gillon explores how to balance productivity and privacy with employee monitoring in the new hybrid workplace.
On 25 May 2018, ICAEW hosted a roundtable to discuss the implications on the ethical principles of technological change and whether new technologies present a threat to the code of ethics and whether the code requires updating.
Read our latest Thought Leadership, other reports and technical helpsheets concerning technology, the risks around ethics and accountability.
This thought leadership report delves into the ethics of new technology and the seismic developments currently taking place in AI and algorithms, which are both exciting and morally concerning.
Cognitive and automation technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have drawn a great deal of interest, but also concern about the potential for bias and misuse. ICAEW’s Tech Faculty examines the risks associated with the adoption of emerging technology and how these risks can be tackled through internal controls and assurance.
ICAEW’s Financial Services Faculty is looking at how firms and consumers can deal with the challenges presented by a big data world.
The Corporate Finance Faculty and Drooms have published the world’s first research about the role of artificial intelligence in deals.
Technical helpsheet highlighting key considerations for individuals and employers when using social media.
A selection of frameworks produced by other organisations.
The Aletheia Framework™ is a toolkit to guide the practical application of ethical AI projects.
New technology offers many opportunities for professional services to improve their operations; yet has the sector been at best reactive to previous waves of innovation?
Amid this promise, the rapid pace and significant scale of change resulting from ever smarter AI systems and increasingly pervasive human/machine interactions are also giving rise to markedly differing concerns among business leaders and consumers.
The responsible use of algorithms and data is paramount for the sustainable development of machine intelligence applications, Digital Catapult's Ethics Committee has created an Ethical Framework consisting of seven concepts, along with corresponding questions intended to inform how they may be applied in practice.
A guide for the responsible design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector.
Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Framework for Automated Decision-Making.
The Tech Faculty Lecture, this year examining the advantages, opportunities and challenges bought the advancement of artificial intelligence, is a flagship ICAEW Thought Leadership event, providing expert insight and opinion from leading minds on issues of technology facing the accountancy profession.