By The Star Staff
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) has released proposed guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning by students and faculty.
The guidelines, which were drafted in November but published by the UPR governing board last Friday, are the first effort by the university to regulate a new and evolving technology.
The guidelines embrace innovations such as generative AI models in teaching, learning and research, according to the protocol.
The principles include transparency in the use of AI to ensure that processes and criteria are clear and understandable. The UPR also commits itself to assuming the responsibility of developing, implementing and using AI whIle complying with ethical and legal standards.
“The privacy and confidentiality of the information at the university and the community will be safeguarded,” the guidelines state. “It will promote the adherence to ethical principles, respecting copyright and avoiding the incorrect use of protected information.”
Students will be able to use AI as part of their educational experience as long as they are authorized by professors to do so. “Students will not be able to replace their intellectual efforts using artificial intelligence tools during academic evaluations unless the professor has issued explicit instructions about the use of such technology,” the document notes. “Any unauthorized use by students of artificial intelligence during academic evaluations will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and will be sanctioned by the university.”
UPR allows the use of AI for research except to create and develop AI for warfare, unless it is research to eliminate AI used in warfare.
The UPR's recent release of proposed guidelines for AI use underscores a significant step towards responsible deployment, particularly highlighted by applications like AI phone support for restaurants and aicallassist. These guidelines aim to harness AI's potential while addressing key concerns such as privacy, transparency, and accountability. By setting standards for technologies that offer round-the-clock, human-like interactions, such as aicallassist—which ensures every call is answered with precision and efficiency—the guidelines promote ethical AI practices that prioritize user trust and safety. This initiative is crucial as AI becomes increasingly embedded in customer service, ensuring that technological advancements enhance service quality without compromising ethical standards.