Dr. Richard Benjamins discusses Telefónica’s journey towards responsible AI

Professor Kevin Werbach and Dr. Richard Benjamins, former Chief Responsible AI Officer at Telefónica, discuss Telefónica’s journey towards responsible AI, corporate strategies to address these challenges, and Benjamins’ views on generative AI and the European AI Act. They explore the role of the Responsible AI Champion in embedding ethical practices across business functions and discuss the dynamics of AI ethics committees, which vary from permission-based to problem-based frameworks. Their conversation highlights the scarcity of AI ethics expertise and the diverse requirements for ethical oversight depending on a company’s AI integration level. Benjamins’ insights significantly enhance understanding of the global AI regulatory landscape and its future implications.

Dr. Richard Benjamins is a leading expert in responsible AI, previously serving as Chief Responsible AI Officer and Chief AI and Data Strategist at Telefónica. Recognized among the top 100 influential figures in data-driven business, he co-founded OdiseIA, an observatory focused on the ethical and social impacts of AI. His career highlights include being the Group Chief Data Officer at AXA and holding key roles at Telefónica, contributing extensively to Big Data and Analytics. Dr. Benjamins founded Telefónica’s Big Data for Social Good department, showcasing his commitment to leveraging data for societal benefits. With an academic background in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, he has also been involved in academia and research across the globe. His advisory role at BigML underscores his dedication to making machine learning more accessible. His projects have ranged from environmental efforts like air quality measurement in Madrid to healthcare advancements during the pandemic, embodying his advocacy for responsible use of AI to address both current and future challenges in the field.