EIAn

EIAn is a fictional international non-profit organization established to explore ethical governance and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. It aims to promote responsible AI deployment, transparency, data protection, and human-centered design across research, industry, and policy spheres.

Origin and scope: Conceived in 2015 by a coalition of researchers, policymakers, and industry ethicists, EIAn grew to include regional chapters in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its mandate covers guidelines development, certification programs, and capacity building.

Activities and standards: EIAn publishes guidelines such as the EIAn Principles for Responsible AI, conducts impact assessments, offers training and certification for AI systems, and hosts annual conferences. It maintains a public registry of evaluated AI systems and research projects that meet its criteria for safety, explainability, and human oversight.

Structure and governance: The organization is governed by a General Assembly and a 15-member Governing Council elected by regional chapters. It maintains technical boards on AI ethics, neuroscience, and law, plus a secretariat that coordinates programs.

Impact and reception: In this fictional scenario, EIAn's guidelines influenced academic and industry practice and informed some policy debates on AI governance. Critics note that participation is voluntary and the standards lack binding enforcement; funding and potential conflicts of interest have been raised as concerns.