SHAPE: A Framework for Evaluating the Ethicality of Influence

Elfia Bezou-Vrakatseli, Benedikt Brückner, Luke Thorburn

Abstract: Agents often exert influence when interacting with humans and non-human agents. However, the ethical status of such influence is often unclear. In this paper, we present the SHAPE framework, which lists reasons why influence may be unethical. We draw on literature from descriptive and moral philosophy and connect it to machine learning to help guide ethical considerations when developing algorithms with potential influence. Lastly, we explore mechanisms for governing influential algorithmic systems, inspired by regulation in journalism, human subject research, and advertising.