Introduction
The development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in business applications is fundamentally transforming the business landscape. As the global leader in B2B purchase-intent data, one of our goals with respect to approaching the use of AI is to build trust and confidence in these technologies with our customers, members, employees, and other stakeholders. We believe that AI, when used responsibly, can drive innovation, improve lives, create value, and provide new opportunities. This policy statement outlines our commitment to fostering trust in AI systems, with a focus on responsibility, accountability, and transparency.
Guiding Principles
1. Responsibility
We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards with respect to the use and deployment of AI systems. This commitment to responsible practices includes:
- Responsible Applications: avoiding using AI systems in ways that could harm individuals, discriminate against any groups, or perpetuate societal inequalities.
- Ethical Guidelines: following ethical guidelines that prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI system development and deployment.
- Informed Design: considering overall compliance and privacy and security principles in the design, development, use and implementation of AI systems.
- Policies and Procedures: requiring the use of AI systems to operate in compliance with our policies and procedures and continuously improving on these policies and procedures.
2. Accountability
We are committed to ensuring the development and use of AI systems with applicable rules and guidelines and believe that AI systems must remain accountable. This commitment to accountability includes:
- Laws and Regulations: complying with applicable laws and regulations related to the use of AI and ensuring that our AI systems are designed and operated within the appropriate legal framework.
- Data Security: implementing and maintaining robust data security measures to safeguard information against unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse.
- Model Integrity: ensuring the integrity and security of AI models and algorithms to prevent tampering or malicious use.
- Proactive Monitoring: continuously monitoring AI systems for potential security threats and responding swiftly to any confirmed incidents.
3. Transparency
We respect the privacy of individuals and are committed to ensuring users understand when AI systems are at work through clear, understandable, and transparent notices and other disclosures regarding use. This commitment to transparency includes:
- User-Centric Design: putting users at the center of AI development, striving to enhance their well-being, experiences, and understanding and ensuring alignment with individual user’s expectations.
- Data Minimization: collecting and using only the data necessary to allow the AI system to function properly, adhering to the principle of data minimization.
- Data Stewardship: establishing robust data stewardship practices, including clear data retention policies and responsible data handling procedures.
- Human Oversight: maintaining human oversight in AI system and decision-making processes, particularly in situations that involve sensitive or ethical considerations.
Trust-Centered AI Governance
Our commitment to responsible AI is upheld through a robust governance framework:
- AI Governance Committee: We have established an AI Governance Committee tasked with overseeing ethical AI practices, ensuring compliance, and addressing AI-related concerns. This Committee also provides oversight, input, and general guidance with respect to developing and using AI within the organization.
- Training and Awareness: We provide ongoing training to all stakeholders involved in AI development and deployment, emphasizing ethical considerations, and fostering responsible practices. We hold individuals and teams accountable for the responsible use of AI systems, with clear guidelines for ethical decision-making.
- Third Party Compliance: We have implemented policies and procedures to review third party applications for the use of AI systems to ensure they align with our governance framework and guiding principles.
Conclusion
TechTarget is dedicated to fostering trust and confidence in AI technologies. Our commitment to responsible AI use, guided by principles of responsibility, accountability, and transparency, reflects our mission to lead the way in building a trustworthy AI ecosystem.
We continuously review and update this policy to ensure that our practices align with the evolving landscape of AI ethics and technology. Through these principles and a culture of responsibility, we aim to make AI a force for positive change that benefits all our stakeholders including our customers, members, and employees.
