Ethical AI adoption is still severely under-prioritized
AI has quickly become one of the most transformative technologies in history, touching nearly every aspect of society, from politics and job markets, to economies and much more. Yet still, despite this pervasive influence, almost no one is focused on how to use AI responsibly. Pluralsight’s 2024 data highlights a glaring gap: among tens of thousands of individuals diving into AI education, only 1.8%—that’s one out of every 54 learners—took the time to understand ethical AI adoption.
This is a huge issue. The lack of interest in ethical AI is possibly a warning signal. Even public-facing materials designed to make ethical AI more approachable are being ignored. The contrast between the overwhelming enthusiasm for AI’s capabilities and the near-absence of focus on doing it responsibly is, quite frankly, alarming.
If you’re leading a company that’s betting on AI—and let’s be honest, every forward-looking organization is—you can’t afford to be part of the 98% ignoring the ethical side.
Mitigate risks and build consumer trust
When you use AI irresponsibly, you’re opening your business up to risks that can easily spiral out of control, and we’re not just dealing with theoretical risks. We’re talking about breaches of consumer privacy, misuse that runs afoul of the law, and, perhaps most damaging, the loss of your reputation. Consumers notice.
Consider this: 77% of global consumers—according to research from Accenture—believe businesses must be held accountable for AI misuse. If you lose that trust, it’s like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it. Customers leave quickly and come back slowly, if ever.
Whether it’s a rogue AI model generating harmful outputs or a privacy scandal that explodes overnight, the damage to your brand and bottom line could be irreversible. Leading with responsibility is a must if you’re going to build on the right foundation.
Major gaps exist in AI skills and ethics training
The reality is that most organizations are adopting AI without preparing their teams for the challenges that come with it. According to Pluralsight’s AI Skills Report:
- 80% of executives and 72% of IT practitioners admit that their companies roll out new tech without considering the training employees actually need.
- Only 12% of executives have any meaningful experience working with AI.
This knowledge gap is dangerous. Without proper training, teams are like untrained pilots flying planes. They can’t expertly manage new regulations, can’t address ethical risks, and, ultimately, can’t make AI work for the business.
When you invest in AI, you’re not buying software, you’re buying into a continuous process of learning and adapting. Without giving your employees the tools they need to succeed, you’re flying blind.
The EU AI Act increases the stakes for ethical AI
For years, companies had little to fear from regulators when it came to AI. That’s over. On August 2, 2024, the EU AI Act came into effect, and the penalties for non-compliance are steep: fines up to EUR 35 million or 7% of your global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
This isn’t only a European issue either. If your AI product touches the EU market in any way (whether you’re located there or not) you’re in the Act’s crosshairs. It’s an unprecedented level of accountability, and enforcement will only get tougher in the coming years.
Think about it. Would you let your company build AI solutions without knowing these rules? If you’re not aware of the fire, you’ll get burned. Training your team to understand and implement these regulations is necessary to avoid massive legal and financial consequences.
Outsourcing AI expertise and its long-term impacts
The temptation to outsource AI expertise is understandable, especially with today’s talent shortage. In fact, 91% of executives say they’re willing to replace or outsource talent to get AI initiatives off the ground. But let me tell you, this likely isn’t a sustainable solution.
AI isn’t like traditional projects where you can launch and forget about it. It evolves, drifts, and, without proper oversight, can even work against you over time. Outsourced consultants can help you avoid early pitfalls, but they won’t stick around to deal with:
- AI drift: Models lose accuracy over time and need continuous updates.
- Security threats: DDoS attacks and exfiltration of customer data can cost millions.
- Infrastructure needs: External teams won’t know your business’s unique dependencies like your internal staff can.
Outsourcing is a bandage, not a cure. Long-term success demands in-house expertise that’s constantly refreshed and prepared for the challenges AI brings every day.
Continuous upskilling and thoughtful implementation
Adopting AI isn’t a one-off sprint, but rather a long-term, continuous process. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company or a disruptive startup, you need to play the long game. That means prioritizing continuous learning for your team and putting responsible practices at the heart of your AI strategy.
Here’s the opportunity: Practitioners who focus on ethical AI set themselves apart as key. They help their companies steer clear of compliance nightmares, avoid embarrassing scandals, and turn AI into a driver of sustainable growth instead of a ticking time bomb.
If you’re in a leadership position, be sure not to launch without testing every system, training your team, and preparing for every possible scenario. Rushing AI projects without the necessary safeguards is asking for failure.
For employees and aspiring AI practitioners, the message is clear: the 1.8% who prioritize learning about ethical AI will be the ones who lead the field. They’ll be the experts organizations rely on to manage legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges while transforming AI from a liability into an asset.
Final thoughts
Are you building AI systems that will earn trust, drive value, and stand the test of time, or are you chasing short-term wins at the cost of long-term stability? The choices you make today will impact your bottom line and define your legacy in a world increasingly shaped by AI.
