2022.Mar.25

REPORTS

The 7th BAIRAL Research Meeting for 2021 Report on “Considering the Ethics of AI Characters: Looking at the Case of ‘AI Rinna’”

On January 14, 2022, BAIRAL, a study group by research assistants of the B’AI Global Forum, held a workshop with Shota Fukujima and Kazuki Senkoji from rinna Company Limited. The rinna Co., Ltd. is a company that promotes the application of AI characters such as “AI Rinna” in society. In the first half of the workshop, Mr. Senkoji introduced the company’s specific efforts, what they aim for, and what problems they are facing. In particular, he raised critical issues such as whether or not AI should have “personality” and “rights” and what responsibility human should have towards AI by taking some examples.

And then, Mr. Fukujima facilitated the workshop. Using an online whiteboard, all participants worked together to develop ideas on how to make AI characters better for society. Specifically, we started with familiar experiences such as disappointing experiences when using AI characters. We then picked up the critical points of how AI characters can make society worse or better. Finally, we discussed what is expected from the providers and users of AI characters. Since more than 30 participants actively generated ideas, it is impossible to describe all of them. Still, some of the most interesting ones include the possibility for AI characters to acquire absoluteness and symbolism, creating divisions and conflicts, on the other hand, creating opportunities for self-affirmation for those who feel difficulties in interpersonal communication.

As a preliminary conclusion, it is important that the issues related to AI should be dealt with by both service providers and users. This workshop was held under the active proposal by Mr. Fukujima and Mr. Senkoji from rinna Co., Ltd. who wanted to think about the ethical use of AI characters through an open discussion forum. This is essential, so we will continue to build such opportunities in the future.