Answer:

Introduction

Driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are technologically advanced automobiles that operate without human intervention. Guided by artificial intelligence, they raise ethical considerations regarding safety, privacy, and decision-making algorithms, as their actions can impact human lives and require careful consideration of moral implications.

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Moral dilemmas posed by driverless cars

• Trolley Problem: In a situation where an accident is imminent, the car’s AI system must decide whether to protect the passengers or prioritise the safety of pedestrians & other vehicles.
• Age Discrimination: When the car encounters an unavoidable collision but must decide between hitting an elderly pedestrian or a younger person. The AI system would need to determine whose life to prioritise based on age, raising ethical concerns.
• Animal versus Human Life: They may face scenarios where they must choose between hitting an animal or a human. Should the car prioritise the life of a child crossing the road over the life of a dog?
• Liability and Blame – When accidents involving driverless cars occur, should the responsibility lie with the car manufacturer, the software developer, or the car owner?
• Lawbreaking Dilemma: In certain situations, one may need to choose between following traffic laws and avoiding an accident. Should the car exceed the speed limit to avoid a collision, potentially putting the passengers at risk of legal consequences?
• Consent and Autonomy: It may collect and utilise personal data to make decisions posing dilemmas regarding consent, as passengers may question whether their personal information is being used without their explicit permission or knowledge.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: It may face dilemmas when confronted with unforeseen circumstances or novel scenarios that were not part of their training data, for example manoeuvring around a pothole. In such situations, can the AI system rely on its programming to make decisions?

Comprehensive code of ethics for driverless cars must include the following:

• Safety First: The AI system should be programmed to minimise harm and prioritise human life over property or animal life. For example, the car should take all reasonable measures to avoid collisions and protect pedestrians and occupants.
• Non-Discrimination: It should not discriminate based on factors such as age, gender, race, or social status. The code must mandate that the AI system treats all individuals equally, prioritising their safety solely based on the severity of the potential harm.
• Privacy Protection: Manufacturers should ensure that passengers’ personal information is protected, and data should be collected and used in a manner that respects individual autonomy and consent.
• Continuous Learning and Improvement: The code must encourage manufacturers to continuously improve their AI systems by learning from real-world experiences and unforeseen circumstances by updating algorithms.
  
• Regulatory Compliance: The code must emphasise the need for compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing autonomous vehicles. Manufacturers should ensure that their driverless cars meet all legal requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The code encourages manufacturers to engage with stakeholders, including passengers, regulators, ethicists, and the wider community, to ensure a collective and inclusive approach to addressing ethical challenges.

Conclusion

By adhering to this comprehensive code of ethics, manufacturers can strive to develop driverless cars that prioritise safety of occupants and pedestrians, fairness, transparency, privacy, consent, and non-discrimination while addressing complex moral dilemmas and upholding the values and expectations of society.

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