IEEE Ethically Aligned Design
2019 — Published (v2 in development)
low risk framework
Engineers, researchers, policymakers, and organizations developing AI and autonomous systems. Voluntary guidance widely cited in industry.
Overview
IEEE's Ethically Aligned Design (EAD) is a comprehensive framework for ethical AI and autonomous systems. Covers human rights, well-being, data agency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and AI weaponization.
Key Requirements
- Human rights and dignity preservation
- Well-being optimization as AI design goal
- Data agency — users control their data
- Effectiveness and accountability metrics
- Transparency of AI systems and decision-making
- Awareness of AI misuse potential
- Competence of AI designers and operators
- Continuous ethical review processes
Implementation Guidance
- 1Use EAD as an ethics checklist during AI product design
- 2Conduct stakeholder impact assessments using EAD principles
- 3Train engineering teams on EAD concepts
- 4Reference EAD in AI governance policies
Penalties for Non-Compliance
No enforcement mechanism — voluntary ethics framework
Framework Details
Short Name
IEEE EAD
Jurisdiction
International
Status
Risk Level
Enforcement Date
2019 — Published (v2 in development)
Affected Organizations
Engineers, researchers, policymakers, and organizations developing AI and autonomous systems. Voluntary guidance widely cited in industry.
Tags
This is educational guidance only. Always consult qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions affecting your organization.