Can I please get help with a response

Review at least three other podcasts, with two being from disciplines other than yours, and share your thoughts with your colleagues. Talk about the similarities and differences across fields around legal and compliance issues. Share the ethical issues you see arising, whether potential or actual.

My Discipline is business

Introduction

Welcome to Ethics in Focus, the podcast where we explore the evolving ethical landscape of

business and human resources. I'm your host, Nathan Blizzard, and today we're diving into one

of the most urgent and complex topics of our time, the ethics of artificial intelligence, especially

as it relates to smart cities and the professional responsibilities of HR and business leaders.

Whether you're in the boardroom or managing human capital, AI is no longer a future concern,

it's today's reality. So, let's explore what that means ethically, legally, and socially.

TOPIC 1

Let's begin with a basic but vital question: What are the ethical risks of implementing AI in our

cities and workplaces?

Imagine an AI-powered city system, designed to streamline communication between citizens and

city staff. Sounds efficient, right? But behind that efficiency lies a vast ocean of ethical issues.

Think data misuse. Think bias. Think lack of transparency.

If a company developing such technology lacks a strong ethical framework, its entire reputation

can crumble fast. In the business or HR realm, this can mean lawsuits, broken trust, and

long-term brand damage.

Before we even talk about launching these systems, we must study similar companies and

technologies. What mistakes have they made? Were they biased? Did they fail to protect

sensitive data? If so, those red flags should guide our risk management strategy.

TOPIC 2

Let's talk data, specifically privacy and security, because that's where HR and legal departments

often take center stage.

These systems collect location data, complaints, maintenance requests, and even personal

identifiers. Storing this data securely isn't just a best practice, it's a legal requirement. Laws like

the GDPR in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. are

non-negotiables.

Encryption, secure cloud storage, and limited access must be the foundation. And HR teams

must train employees on how to ethically handle this data, because the chain is only as strong as

its weakest link.We also need oversight not just from IT, but from a multidisciplinary team. Imagine legal

advisors, city officials, tech experts, and most importantly, a citizen representative. This ensures

decisions are transparent, diverse in perspective, and inclusive.

TOPIC 3

Now let's talk about cybersecurity and legal compliance.

With AI, the attack surface expands. That means organizations must adopt not just reactive but

proactive approaches: regular audits, ethical hacking, and real-time threat monitoring.

From a legal standpoint, the system must comply with accessibility standards, public records

laws, and more. In the HR realm, that means updating company policies, creating internal

reporting systems, and ensuring that employees are not left behind as tech evolves.

But the bigger concern? Inequity.

Let's face it, not everyone has access to smartphones or understands AI interfaces. Think of the

elderly, low-income individuals, or those with disabilities. If we don't address that, we're

creating a system that's biased at its core.

One solution? Creating in-person city centers where trained personnel can help citizens access

digital services. It's not just good ethics, it's smart HR and inclusive business planning.

TOPIC 4

Now here's a sticky one: conflict of interest.

What happens when city officials or business leaders stand to benefit financially from an AI

rollout?

This is where ethics must take center stage. We need transparent procurement processes, public

reporting, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. HR professionals play a crucial role here, acting as

watchdogs and guiding the culture toward transparency and accountability.

Remember: AI doesn't have ethics. People do. And it's our systems, checks, and leadership that

shape how AI behaves in the real world.

SO WHAT'S THE TAKEAWAY?

As we build AI systems for smart cities or modern workplaces, we must lead with ethics,

inclusion, and transparency. This isn't just a technology project, it's a societal transformation.

Whether you're a business executive, an HR manager, or a tech leader, you have a role to play in

ensuring AI is used responsibly. The goal is not just efficiency, it's equity.Let's build AI systems that don't just work, but work for everyone.

Final Send Off

Thanks for tuning in to Ethics in Focus. If you enjoyed today's episode, share it, subscribe, and

let's keep the conversation going. Until next time, stay ethical and stay curious.