Eetikals

Eetikals is a proposed ethical framework for the design, deployment, and governance of technology, particularly artificial intelligence and automated decision systems. It aims to embed core ethical values into the lifecycle of technology—from concept through deployment to ongoing operation—so that outcomes align with human rights, dignity, and social well-being.

The term is a neologism used in academic and industry discussions to describe formalized, codified guidelines that translate ethical theory into practical requirements for organizations and products. It is often presented as complementing broad ethical theory with concrete governance structures.

Core principles commonly associated with eetikals include transparency and explainability of systems, accountability for decisions and harms, fairness and non-discrimination, privacy and data protection by design, safety and resilience, inclusive design that respects diverse users, and sustainability in terms of long-term impacts.

Implementation typically involves risk assessment, impact assessments, design reviews, third-party audits, internal governance councils, public reporting, and alignment with legal and regulatory standards. Proponents advocate for human oversight and clear decision trails to enable redress and learning from failures.

History and scope: The concept emerged in tech ethics discourse in the 2010s and has since been taken up by scholars, industry groups, and some standards bodies as a framework for responsible innovation. Critics note ambiguity, uneven adoption, and the risk of superficial compliance without genuine systemic change.

In practice, eetikals is used as a reference point for product development, corporate governance, and policy discussions, with organizations adapting its principles to their context and risk profile.