Ethical implications of recognizing vulnerable individuals in autonomous vehicle decision-making
The use of additional information in the decision-making process of an autonomous vehicle raises ethical and moral questions. Recognizing and prioritizing the safety of vulnerable individuals at risk of injury in an accident ensures safety.
Using such information could raise concerns about privacy, bias, and discrimination. The technology used to recognize and understand pedestrians may need to be more accurate and could lead to incorrect decisions or unintended consequences.
Relying on this information could perpetuate existing biases and inequalities, such as prioritizing the safety of specific individuals over others based on their perceived vulnerability.
The decision to factor should consider the potential benefits and risks and an ethical framework that prioritizes safety while considering the rights and dignity of individuals.