The ethical and legal implications of AI generative chatbots

In recent months, AI-based chatbots have become increasingly common, presenting a range of new opportunities and challenges that affect all areas of our lives. Citizens of all ages are increasingly relying on these systems to help them write texts, search for information or even get company through so-called companion chatbots. This can lead to strong influence or even manipulation of users. We believe it is crucial to raise awareness of the ethical and legal implications of these new technologies.

After a brief explanation of how AI-enabled generative chatbots work, and more specifically companion chatbots, we will have a multidisciplinary panel discussion to hear from engineers, lawyers, sociologists and others on the ethical and legal implications of these systems. The panel will be followed by a Q&A session with participants, to encourage open discussion on this topic and to suggest ways forward on how society should deal with the new opportunities and challenges raised by AI-based chatbots.

On the agenda :

Welcome + short introduction on AI chatbots : Alain Coletta, Senior Project Manager at FPS BOSA - AI4Belgium

Introduction on companion chatbots : Mieke De Ketelaere, adj. prof. in Sustainable, Ethical and Trustworthy AI at Vlerick Business School.

Multidisciplinary round table : Panel discussion with :

• Pierre Dewitte, researcher for KULeuven.
• Prof. An Jacobs, VUB.
• Mieke De Ketelaere, adjunct professor in Sustainable, Ethical and Trustworthy AI at Vlerick Business School.
• Prof. Axel Cleeremans, cognitive sciences at ULB.
• Jelle Hoedemaekers, for Agoria.

Question and answer session.