MET workshops

Maintaining the ethical case against generative AI

This webinar will build on the talk “An ethical case against LLMs: principles, choices, consequences” given at METM25. We will review the key points of the case made in that presentation and examine what has happened in the four months since: in every respect, the situation has worsened. In this follow-up webinar, we will look at real-world examples of negative consequences and impacts of the ethical problems inherent to generative AI (genAI) and discuss how the creative professional can take a principled stance against genAI and leverage that position to add value for their business and their clients.

Facilitator: Kyle Wohlmut

Purpose: To construct an ethical case against the use of genAI tools. To give participants counterarguments to tech industry narratives on “artificial intelligence”.

Description: We will first look at three fundamental ethical issues in genAI (intellectual property theft, environmental impact, labour abuses) in facts and figures. Next, we will take a look behind the scenes at some players in the AI industry, their motivations and machinations, and connect some dots to reveal less obvious but equally concerning ethical problems underlying the technology. Finally, we will gather some counterarguments to tech industry narratives around the “inevitability” of AI and suggest strategies that we, as individuals, can use to fight for the place of the creative professional in the “age of AI”.

Participant profile: For editors, translators and any MET members who are already uneasy about ethical issues surrounding genAI, this webinar will offer details, specifics and dots to connect into a case for refusing genAI. For those who already have some knowledge of these ethical issues, we will look at recent developments on the technical, environmental and legal fronts that both MET members and their clients should be aware of. The content will build on the case presented at METM25, which will be reviewed, so this webinar will be suitable both for those who attended that talk and those who did not.

Outcome: Attendees who are looking for a path for refusal of genAI in their work will come away with a catalogue of concerns that should be relevant to all. They will then be in a position to consider, refine and defend their own personal stance on the use of genAI tools from an informed perspective.

Preparation: No preparation required.

About the facilitator: Kyle Wohlmut has been a full-time professional legal and literary translator (Dutch to English and German to English) since 1999. He has spoken at several international translation conferences in Europe on various topics. His translations include two novels (one from Dutch and one from German) and a book-length exposé of the 2008 financial crisis.