Research Guide: Generative AI and Research - Risks and ethical concerns

The first step is to know your framework. Consult the United Nations Digital & Technology Network (DNT) Guidance on the Use of Generative AI Tools in the UN System and the Principles for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in the UN System.

Research requires critical evaluation of sources. This is especially important when working with GenAI, as there is a significant risk of producing content without proper evidence. When using these technologies in research, keep in mind, also, the following key considerations:

Commercial

Many Generative AI tools capture and reuse user data and inputs, which raises considerations around privacy and the handling of sensitive information. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid entering confidential material or intellectual property for which you do not hold the rights or permissions into these systems.

Bias and Reliability

Generative AI tools can reflect biases in the data they are trained on, which is not always clear or transparent. This means the results may include political, cultural, or other types of bias. These tools can also produce incorrect information (known as “hallucinations”) that may look convincing but are not accurate.

Trustworthiness

Generative AI outputs can be difficult to verify, as the sources and training data are often not transparent. Researchers are encouraged to consult a librarian when in doubt. It is also important to highlight that these tools are not research databases. While some may include scholarly content, they are best used alongside trusted platforms such as LabourDiscovery. Accuracy, coverage, and timeliness will also vary depending on the datasets used to train each tool.

Authority and Copyright

The legal status of the content used to train Generative AI models is not always clear, and questions also remain around the authorship and ownership of AI-generated works. If you create content using these tools, you may not hold copyright over the outputs. It is important to review the terms of service for each tool, bearing in mind that they can change without notice. Always be transparent about how you have used Generative AI in your work and ensure its use in writing or research is properly cited.

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