Ethical Reflections on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Construction of Smart Cities

Abstract

With the increasing reliance and demand for artificial intelligence in the construction of smart cities, AI has been embedded in various applications and infrastructures. However, uncertainties, concerns, and even fears about AI are constantly emerging. This study based on actor‐network theory (ANT) showcases the application practices of artificial intelligence in smart city, including smart transportation, smart water management, smart healthcare, smart grids, and smart city evaluation standards, and analyzes the process of constructing an actor‐network involving governments, technology development companies, and urban residents. It demonstrates the interactive network processes such as problem statement, interest alignment, recruitment, and mobilization. It explores the relationships among humans, humans and technology, and the self‐challenges faced by technology, such as digital ethics, machine ethics, and relational alienation. In the future, it is necessary to establish explainable, transparent, safe, and responsible AI in the development of smart cities, grant certain rights, and respect to nonhuman actors such as data, AI, and machines, and formulate a series of laws and ethical guidelines to ensure the sustainable development of smart city.