Fujitsu today announced the development of a resource toolkit offering developers guidance for evaluating the ethical impact and risks of AI systems based on international AI ethics guidelines. Fujitsu will offer these resources free of charge starting from February 21, 2022 to promote the safe and secure deployment of AI systems in society.
Figure 1. Outline of AI Ethics Impact Assessment
The toolkit consists of a variety of case studies and reference materials, including a newly developed method for clarifying ethical requirements in AI ethics guidelines written in natural language, as well as for applying ethical requirements to actual AI systems. The resources in Japanese can be downloaded here, with availability in English to follow in the near future.
With this guidance, Fujitsu aims to prevent misunderstandings and potential risks caused by differences in the interpretation of descriptions in guidelines, offering AI system developers and operators new tools for thoroughly identifying and preventing possible ethical issues early in the development process in keeping with international best practices.
Dr. Christoph Lutge of the Technical University of Munich, a leading authority in the research of responsible AI and business ethics, comments, “In Europe, there is a growing debate about AI regulations, and one of the key issues is how to close the gap between principles and practices, or “what” and “how.” I believe that the results of this research are very significant in that they enable us to practice based on principles. I would also like to express my deep appreciation for the decision to open up the research results and stimulate discussion worldwide.”
Going forward, Fujitsu will actively work to partner with government agencies, private companies, and leading researchers to further refine and promote its newly developed methodology and aims to release an expanded version of the resource toolkit in fiscal year 2022.
Background
In April 2021, the European Commission issued a draft for a regulatory framework calling for a comprehensive ethical response for AI system developers, users, and stakeholders in response to increasing concerns surrounding algorithmic bias and discriminatory decision-making in AI and machine learning applications.
To commit fully to the responsible use of technology and earn society’s trust in AI systems and the companies and organizations involved in this space, Fujitsu has formulated its own AI Commitment in 2019, as well as a new AI Ethics and Governance Office to develop and enforce robust policies for AI ethics, promote organizational AI ethical governance to ensure their effectiveness. Now, Fujitsu will move from principle to practice by steadily implementing best practices in the real-world to ensure the realization of ethical, safe, and transparent AI and machine learning technologies.
At present, it is common practice in AI system development to identify possible ethical risks in AI systems based on AI ethics guidelines issued by government authorities and companies. These guidelines are written in natural language, however, contributing to possible differences in interpretation and misunderstandings amongst designers and developers that can lead to inappropriate or insufficient measures. Under this method it is also difficult to judge whether the contents of the guidelines were thoroughly and appropriately reviewed.
Many challenges remain, however, and possible misinterpretation of guidelines in the design phase of new technologies can potentially lead to insufficient or inappropriate measures to counter risk.
New evaluation method and resources to help clarify guidelines and ethical risk
In preparing this new toolkit and guidance for developers, Fujitsu performed analyses of past AI related incidents collected in the AI Incident Database of the international consortium Partnership on AI (1). This process led to the conclusion that ethical issues related to AI systems can be contextualized with the exchange of information (“interactions”) between discreet elements within an AI system and between an AI system and its users and other stakeholders.
Based on these findings, Fujitsu successfully developed an evaluation method to systematically identify relevant ethical issues related to AI systems, allowing for the creation of AI ethics models (2) that are able to clarify the interpretation of AI ethics guidelines.
Fujitsu applied its new evaluation method to 15 representative cases out of the AI Incident
Database (164 global cases registered as of February 21, 2022, examples included cases from areas like the financial and human resources sector). Applying the new method, all ethical issues that occurred in real world use cases were successfully identified as risks in advance during verification trials, the results of which have been published.
Fujitsu will be offering the following resource toolkit consisting of a variety of resources and guidance for developers to refer to in their own work:
Download site (in Japanese, English available at future date) 1. Whitepaper: A general overview of methodology 2. AI ethical impact assessment procedure manual: AI system diagram, preparation procedure of AI ethical model and explanation of problem correspondence method 3. AI ethical model: An AI ethical model based on AI ethical guidelines published by the European Commission (created by Fujitsu) 4. AI ethics analysis case studies: Results of analysis of major AI ethics issues from the AI Incident Database of Partnership on AI (As of February 21, there were six cases, which were added sequentially.)
Use Case: risk in use of AI for the evaluation of individuals for bank loans, recruitment
Figure 1 shows an example of an evaluation process of an individual typical in use case scenarios like personnel recruitment or the approval of bank loans. The correspondence table in the AI ethics model identified the “validity of the evaluation process” (whether the evaluation is conducted responsibly with reference to the output results from the AI system) as a check item for the interaction (relationship) between the user of the AI system and the target person to be evaluated, whereas “overdependency on AI results,” “selective interpretation and evaluation of output results” and “ignorance of output results” are listed as possible risks.
Within this example, AI system developers can identify the risk of an “overdependence of users on outputs from an AI system that may contain bias and lead to unfair decisions” as a possible risk in an AI system and appropriately adjust the system to prevent this risk.
(1) Partnership on AI: A non-profit organization established in 2016 that address the ethical challenges of AI, for a future where AI and humans work together. (2) AI ethics models: AI ethics models include a correspondence table of “check items” and “interactions”, a tool for step-by-step evaluation of ethical requirements for AI systems. AI ethic models are manually created based on a specific guideline, but once generated, a model can be used generically to evaluate various AI systems. Using this method, developers and operators of AI systems can automatically retrieve all relevant check items from a previously created AI ethics model for a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of related possible risks based on the type of interactions within an AI system.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
Fujitsu today announced that it has been recognized with the Mayor’s Award as an “Osaka City Leading Company in Women’s Participation” in the Large Enterprise category.
Osaka City certifies companies that are making outstanding efforts in providing women with a comfortable work environment under its “Osaka City Leading Companies in Women’s Participation and Advancement” scheme. Evaluation criteria include factors such as the ratio of female employees in managerial positions, measures to support work-life balance and measures to encourage male employees to take childcare leave. Fujitsu received a 2-star verification.
The Mayor’s Award is an annual award given to companies that have achieved 2-star verification and have made particularly outstanding efforts. Fujitsu was awarded the First Prize for its outstanding efforts to promote the empowerment of female employees in the Large Enterprise category in 2021.
Fujitsu is promoting diversity and inclusion based on the Fujitsu Way(1) and has defined its vision, strategic goals, and priority areas to realize its goal of building an inclusive culture under the slogan “Be Completely You”. As one of these priority areas, Fujitsu is promoting respect for diversity and gender equality by establishing an executive sponsor to support gender issues, holding events related to International Women’s Day, supporting all employees in balancing childcare or nursing care, and holding career workshops for female members who aim to apply for managerial positions. Going forward, Fujitsu will continue to focus not only on gender issues, but also on a wide range of topics including LGBT+, health and disability, support of diverse cultures and ethnicity, as well as innovative work styles, diverse communication styles, multi-culturalism and will conduct various inclusion initiatives to harness individual diversity.
Evaluation points (excerpt from Osaka City press release) In order to encourage the promotion of women in executive and managerial positions, Fujitsu has implemented training programs focused on cultivating a challenging mindset through dialogue with management and female leaders, and has achieved results in increasing the ratio of women in executive and managerial positions.
To eliminate concerns and questions about childbirth and childcare leave for employees and to promote understanding among the people around them, Fujitsu is holding seminars to explain the support system to balance work with childcare to all employees as well as panel discussions for employees who have taken childcare leave. By fostering a corporate culture that promotes diverse working styles, the rate of men taking childcare leave has increased notably.
To encourage men to participate in childcare, the number of days of “maternity and childcare support leave” that spouses and partners can take before and after childbirth with 100% wage compensation has been increased from 5 days to 20 days, contributing to an improvement in male employees’ attitudes about playing an active role in childcare and alleviating the anxiety related to income and career development associated with taking childcare leave.
(1) Fujitsu Way : Composed of three principles: the raison d’etre of the Fujitsu Group in society (“Purpose”), important values for the whole Fujitsu Group, and the principles of how each employee should behave in his or her daily activities (code of conduct).
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
Fujitsu today announced that on February 8, Rui Machida, member of the Fujitsu RedWave Women’s Basketball Team signed a contract with the Washington Mystics (based in Washington D.C.) which is a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Rui Machida
Since joining the Fujitsu RedWave in 2011, Machida has been active as one of the team’s key players in the Women’s Japan Basketball League and the All-Japan Basketball Championship and has won many individual titles. Machida participated as a member of the Japan Women’s National Basketball Team in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held in 2021, and was selected to the All-Star-Five of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for her contribution to the team’s silver medal.
Expectations are high that Machida’s contract with the Washington Mystics will have a significant positive impact not only on her own career but also on the Japanese basketball world.
Machida will continue playing as a member of the Fujitsu RedWave until the end of the 23rd Women’s Japan Basketball League season and will transfer to the U.S. after some further preparatory period. Machida will play in the WNBA season from May to September 2022 as a member of the Washington Mystics, but will return to Japan to play for the Fujitsu RedWave again after the end of the season. Fujitsu sets high expectations in Machida as a player that continuously pursues challenge and serves as an excellent role model for one of Fujitsu’s most important core values.
Profile Machida Rui Position:: #10 Point Guard Date of Birth: March 8, 1993 Place of Birth: Hokkaido (Japan)
Experience and titles:
– Japan Women’s National Basketball Team 2016 Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics – final 8 2021 Tokyo 2020 Olympics – 2nd place (silver medal), Elected to the “All-Star-Five”
– Other participations as member of Japanese national team 2015, 2017 and 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup – 9th place 2020 FIBA Women’s Olympic World Qualifiers – Final Round
– Women’s Japan Basketball League Annual Awards “Rookie of the Year” award 2011-2012 season (13th) “Best Five Point Guards” award ( 4th time) Leaders Award Assist Division award (5th time, 2020-2021 season 4th consecutive award)
Comment from Rui Machida
I’m thrilled and humbled to be receiving this wonderful opportunity to play for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all those who’ve supported me in taking on this new challenge. I will do my best to contribute to my new team in the U.S. This is the first time for me to join an international team and I am quite excited about this new experience. I’m sure I will learn a lot of new things and show my best performance for Fujitsu RedWave once I return to Japan. I hope all of my fans and supporters will continue to support me on this important journey.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
Fujitsu today announced that it has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s 2022 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies” for the fourth year in a row.
This year, 635 companies were nominated from 29 countries as the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” of which 333 were selected (15 of which were Japanese companies). Fujitsu was selected in the category for the IT Services industry and was highly-evaluated in areas including Global Competitiveness, Innovation, Financial Soundness, and Quality of Products/Services. Conducted through a partnership between Fortune Magazine and Korn Ferry(1), the annually published “World’s Most Admired Companies” list is determined based on a survey of a combined 15,000 executives, directors at global companies, and analysts. Companies are evaluated based on nine categories: Innovation, People Management, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, Quality of Management, Financial Soundness, Long-Term Investment Value, Quality of Products/Services, and Global Competitiveness. Companies that receive high evaluations in these categories are selected for inclusion in the list.
Fujitsu will continue to advance business activities from the perspective of the environment, society, and governance (ESG) in order to realize Our Purpose as stated in the Fujitsu Way-“to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation”-and further increase its efforts to contribute to the sustainable development of society and the Earth.
(1) Korn Ferry Established in 1969 in the United States, Korn Ferry is a global management consulting firm that works to develop talent and make organizations more effective. It has 10,000 employees providing services in over 50 countries.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
Fujitsu Limited today announced the decision to establish a new organization to strengthen its governance of AI ethics.
Building and maintaining trust remains central to all of Fujitsu’s business activities, forming the basis of its Purpose–“to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation.” To realize the vision of a sustainable world through its global business brand “FUJITSU Uvance” which focuses on the solution of social issues, both services and technologies as well as trust in the Fujitsu Group will play an essential role.
In March 2019, Fujitsu formulated the “Fujitsu Group AI Commitment” to create greater value for customers and society while honoring its promise to deliver safe, secure, and transparent AI technology. With this commitment as a point of departure, in September 2019 Fujitsu further established the “Fujitsu Group External Advisory Committee on AI Ethics” to ensure an objective evaluation of Fujitsu’s AI ethics framework by an impartial third party. Since then, Fujitsu has continuously and proactively worked to enhance its corporate governance to enforce the principles of ethical AI.
On February 1, Fujitsu will newly establish the “AI Ethics and Governance Office” (Head: Junichi Arahori) to accelerate the safe and secure deployment of leading-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and other machine learning applications in society.
This marks the next step in Fujitsu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and enforce comprehensive, company-wide measures to achieve robust AI ethics governance based on international best-practices, policies, and legal frameworks. The new office will focus on implementing measures to actively promote ethics related to the research, development, and implementation of advanced technologies.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
