The Ethics of Using AI for Dispute Resolution

As technology advances and continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, it comes as no surprise that many people and companies have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in the resolution of legal disputes. One such AI tool that has garnered much attention in this regard is ChatGPT. Known for its ability to generate text in natural language, ChatGPT has garnered interest as a potential alternative for dispute resolution, and other platforms have also been developed that have been specifically designed to aid in these cases. However, as with any new technology, there are ethical concerns to address, especially when it comes to something as sensitive as resolving disputes.

Ethical Issues Related to ChatGPT

One of the key concerns regarding the use of ChatGPT and other AI programs for dispute resolution is the accuracy of the programs' outputs. While AI has shown great promise in certain areas, it is not infallible. The information generated by these systems is sometimes incorrect. Legal disputes require a significant level of precision and nuance, and errors could result in unjust outcomes. It is crucial to ensure that the program is thoroughly tested for accuracy, and information generated through ChatGPT or other programs should be verified by a person who has knowledge of the issues being addressed.

There are also concerns related to bias. While AI has the potential to be neutral, this is only the case if a system has been programmed correctly. If there are any implicit biases in the programming or training data, these biases will be reflected in the system's output.

Another ethical concern with AI is whether its use would be detrimental to the individuals involved in a dispute. Legal disputes can be emotionally charged, and having an AI program dictate the outcome of a case could leave participants feeling frustrated or misunderstood. In some cases, the parties involved may not fully understand how the decision was reached, or they may feel that they were not given a fair opportunity to present their case. It is essential to ensure that an AI system is designed with empathy and understanding in mind, taking into consideration the unique circumstances of each case.

Privacy is another significant concern. When using an AI system like ChatGPT, the parties will be providing the platform with sensitive information about the dispute, including personal details and confidential information. This raises questions about data privacy and security. Will the data be stored securely, and will it be used only for the intended purpose of resolving the dispute?

Accessibility may be another factor to address. Not everyone has access to the technology required to use ChatGPT or other AI-powered dispute resolution platforms. This means that relying on such systems could disadvantage some people more than others. Those without access to such technology may not be able to take advantage of the purported efficiencies and cost savings that come with using AI for dispute resolution.

The use of ChatGPT also raises broader questions about the role of AI in the technology industry. While some proponents argue that AI could lead to a more efficient system for resolving disputes, others worry about the potentially negative consequences of having AI tools replace human decision-making. Maintaining a balance between AI and human intervention in the dispute resolution process is crucial.

Contact Our Chicago Dispute Resolution Professionals

As AI technology continues to play a role in multiple industries, many questions have arisen concerning its accuracy, fairness, accountability, and broader implications on how it may be used. While ChatGPT may offer solutions to some of the challenges of dispute resolution, its ethical implications must be considered seriously. At the end of the day, AI may provide a tool that can assist in resolving disputes, but it will also be necessary to work with professionals who can help ensure that all parties will be satisfied with the outcome of a case. At Privacy & Technology Mediation Services, our Illinois mediation professionals can help address issues related to AI, and we can work to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently. Contact us at 312-767-3900 to learn more about our services.

Sources:

https://mena.thomsonreuters.com/en/resources/legal/articles/2021/will-ai-transform-dispute-resolution-as-we-know-it.html

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10726-021-09734-1

http://www.newhandshake.org/SCU/ai.pdf