Researchers from New York University’s More than Human Life Program (MOTH) and the Cetacean Translation Initiative (CETI) have introduced a new ethical framework aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the study of animal communication. The guidelines, referred to as the PEPP Framework—Prepare, Engage, Prevent, and Protect—are designed to promote responsible practices in decoding the communication of various species, particularly marine mammals.
The initiative comes in response to concerns about the potential harm that can arise from poorly regulated research activities. CETI founder David Gruber emphasized the need for caution, stating that even routine actions such as recording and playback can induce stress in animals. He cited a notable case where researchers studying elephant communication played a recorded call of a deceased individual, which resulted in significant distress among its family members as they searched for their lost relative.
Despite the risks, studying animal communication has historically led to important conservation efforts. Gruber pointed to the discovery in the 1970s that humpback whales sing to communicate, which ultimately contributed to legal protections for the species. The current research aims to build on such advances while ensuring that ethical considerations are paramount.
In a report published alongside the framework, the researchers invite contemplation on the implications of successfully interpreting animal communication. They assert that advancements in recording technology, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary collaboration have unveiled complex communication systems in many species, from whales to honeybees. The potential ramifications for environmental law and nonhuman animal law, they argue, are profound.
However, the authors also caution about the misapplications of this technology, suggesting that it could be exploited by tourism or military entities to manipulate animal behavior. They advocate for the use of AI in ways that prioritize animal welfare. For instance, understanding whales’ distress calls related to shipping noise could serve as a basis for stronger protective measures for these creatures.
While the PEPP framework is currently voluntary, its authors draw parallels to many human and Indigenous rights standards that began as nonbinding principles before evolving into enforceable international norms. Gruber commented on the importance of establishing shared standards now, indicating that this could pave the way for formal international guidelines in the future.
As the conversation around the ethical implications of technology in animal communication research evolves, stakeholders are urged to weigh both the benefits and the risks. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance scientific inquiry with ethical responsibility in the era of advanced technological capabilities.
For further insights, readers can refer to the full story by Ana Cristina Alvarado, available in Spanish.
Image credit: Scientists Yanive Aluma and Odel Harve check on a subaquatic whale-recording device. Image courtesy of Project CETI.
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