The biggest obstacle to safer AI is embarrassment

Firms may be reluctant to admit when AI goes wrong, but industries like aviation show why sharing those near misses matters, writes Freya Russell Embarrassment originates from the French embarrasser, which more literally translates as “to block”. When it comes to safer AI, embarrassment does just that: it blocks a golden opportunity to share for the greater good. When AI makes a mistake, no matter how small or large, if it is caught before it reaches a client, the natural inclination is to sweep the near miss under the carpet. There has been no harm to the firm, and admitting a mistake can invite consequences that extend far beyond the original error. So, why would a firm admit to such a narrow escape? The premise is that they would if the repercussions of a confession were to be removed. AI is already embedded in financial services; HM Treasury reports that 75 per cent of financial services firms are already using AI in at least one business function. With each implementatio