What does Ethical AI really mean and why does it matter?

What do we mean by Ethical AI?

Ethical AI is about creating systems that make decisions in a way humans can understand and verify. This is especially important when dealing with high-stakes questions, like deciding if online content is supporting terrorist activity.

“Ethical AI is all about creating systems that make decisions in a way humans can understand and verify.”

One way we do this is by focusing solely on analyzing text. Our tools don’t process metadata like usernames or user preferences. We also pay close attention to algorithmic bias and make sure our AI doesn’t reflect or amplify pre-existing prejudices. In AI, fairness is absolutely vital. Our systems align with EU regulations and every decision our AI technology makes can be explained and scrutinized with total transparency.

Why does any of this matter?

The need for ethical AI has never been more pressing. Despite significant efforts aimed at addressing online harms, the internet remains a complicated and often dangerous space. Everyday users face a growing amount of propaganda, phishing, and divisive content leaving many unsure of what is true. This chaos underscores the importance of AI tools that don’t simply add to the noise but instead help people make sense of it.

Ethical AI is about upholding values like fairness and transparency while addressing real-world challenges. By designing AI tools that align with democratic principles, we aim to support people and organizations to navigate and understand the increasingly complex online landscape. We don’t just hand over the tools and walk away. Textgain works closely with the people and organizations who make difficult decisions and protect the society we live in.

• Our tools help track illegal activities, like stopping weapons trafficking.
• Journalists use our insights to combat foreign disinformation.
• We provide citizens and policymakers alike with data that helps them create smart and effective strategies to fight harmful content.

Our AI doesn’t make decisions for people. Instead, we give them the clear information they need to take action.

What makes Textgain unique?

We focus on delivering ethical, meaningful AI solutions. Our tools help researchers and first-line practitioners tackle issues like information manipulation without exposing user data. Instead, we publish impact studies to inform policy and empower people to become more resilient online.

Born as a university spin-off, we bring decades of expertise in language and AI. What sets us apart is our rigorous process: every tool undergoes thorough lab and real-world testing, with users involved from the start. Through statistical evaluations, surveys, and peer reviews by relevant stakeholders, we ensure our tools are effective, ethical and ready for real-world challenges.

“At Textgain, ethical AI isn’t a marketing tagline, it’s at the heart of everything we do.”

Real-life examples of our work:

Our approach to ethical AI isn’t just theory, it’s already making a difference. Here are a few examples:

• CALICO: The world’s first multilingual foundation model to track harmful content. Read more>
• INSIGHT: Strengthening intelligence on firearms trafficking in Europe, equipping authorities to counter gun violence more effectively. Read more>
• BENEDMO: Delivering insights on disinformation in Flanders and the Netherlands, supporting journalists and online users to democracy. Read more>

The future of ethical AI

At Textgain, ethical AI isn’t a marketing tagline, it’s at the heart of everything we do. By staying focused on transparency, fairness, and privacy, we’re designing tools the world can trust even when the stakes are high.

We’ll continue to collaborate with experts, governments and organizations to make online spaces safer and better. Want to learn more? Check out what we’re working on next and drop us a line to find out how we can help you.