What Is a Subliminal Technique? An Ethical Perspective on AI-Driven Influence
- Resource Type
- Conference
- Authors
- Bermudez, Juan Pablo; Nyrup, Rune; Deterding, Sebastian; Moradbakhti, Laura; Mougenot, Celine; You, Fangzhou; Calvo, Rafael A.
- Source
- 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Ethics in Engineering, Science, and Technology (ETHICS) Ethics in Engineering, Science, and Technology (ETHICS), 2023 IEEE International Symposium on. :1-10 May, 2023
- Subject
- Aerospace
Bioengineering
Communication, Networking and Broadcast Technologies
Components, Circuits, Devices and Systems
Computing and Processing
Engineering Profession
General Topics for Engineers
Nuclear Engineering
Photonics and Electrooptics
Power, Energy and Industry Applications
Robotics and Control Systems
Signal Processing and Analysis
Transportation
Ethics
Technological innovation
Uncertainty
Law
Europe
Companies
Behavioral sciences
Automated Influence
Online Manipulation
EU AI Act
Nudge
Autonomy
Mental Integrity
Ethical Risks of Artificial Intelligence
Dark Patterns
- Language
Concerns about threats to human autonomy feature prominently in the field of AI ethics. One aspect of this concern relates to the use of AI systems for problematically manipulative influence. In response to this, the European Union's draft AI Act (AIA) includes a prohibition on AI systems deploying subliminal techniques that alter people's behavior in ways that are reasonably likely to cause harm (Article 5(1)(a)). Critics have argued that the term ‘subliminal techniques’ is too narrow to capture the target cases of AI-based manipulation. We propose a definition of ‘subliminal techniques’ that (a) is grounded on a plausible interpretation of the legal text; (b) addresses all or most of the underlying ethical concerns motivating the prohibition; (c) is defensible from a scientific and philosophical perspective; and (d) does not over-reach in ways that impose excessive administrative and regulatory burdens. The definition provides guidance for design teams seeking to pursue responsible and ethically aligned AI innovation.