Companies Urged to Adopt Ethical Tech Practices

Global investment manager Candriam has published the first results of its Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) investor initiative, identifying four key areas of concern. Working in collaboration with 20 other investors, including Aviva Investors and Robeco, the initiative said that the potential risk of racial and gender bias, the technology’s “questionable accuracy”, privacy concerns and misuse are issues that need to be addressed. Regulation is struggling to keep up with technology, the update noted, urging companies to “think beyond what is legal and focus on what is ethical” by publishing a detailed human rights policy with references to how they use AI and FRT. The initiative also identified three companies that stood out due to their efforts to mitigate human rights within their use of AI and FRT: Microsoft, Motorola Solutions and Thales. Benjamin Chekroun, Engagement Analyst at Candriam, said: “The fast pace at which FRT is evolving, and the delay in regulating the technology, means that greater oversight and understanding of companies involved in this space is now a human rights imperative. As investors in the technology sector, we have an important role to play in encouraging companies to identify, manage, and to mitigate human rights risks in their use of AI and FRT.” 

The practical information hub for asset owners looking to invest successfully and sustainably for the long term. As best practice evolves, we will share the news, insights and data to guide asset owners on their individual journey to ESG integration.

Copyright © 2023 ESG Investor Ltd. Company No. 12893343. ESG Investor Ltd, Fox Court, 14 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HN

To Top