Dignity by Design: A Human-Centered Framework for Ethical AI

Authors

Armin Tadayon, George Mason University

Abstract

The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 has triggered a global arms race–both among private technology companies and between nation states–for dominance in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). If this nascent technology, which is permeating every aspect of our lives as more companies across multiple sectors deploy it for a variety of functions, malfunctions or behaves in unanticipated ways, it can severely affect individuals in their day-to-day lives with broader consequences for society at large. As such, as AI permeates every aspect of our lives, and in some instances, begins to replace humans and human decision-making, it is imperative to ensure that AI systems operate in a way that protects human dignity and fosters the inherent worth of individuals.

Many of our existing frameworks for regulating technology focus on notice and consent, with the aim to protect individuals’ privacy interests. Part I of this Article explains why this existing analytical framework falls short in the face of challenges posed by AI. Part I then provides an overview of AI, some of this technology’s current limitations, and the issues that an amoral approach to developing AI products can exacerbate. Part I concludes by discussing the current incentive structure of technology companies and how this existing structure undermines privacy, erodes societal trust, and diminishes human dignity.

Part II introduces and develops the concept of Dignity by Design. Specifically, it traces the complex philosophical and legal history of human dignity, highlighting its deep roots in American jurisprudence. This Part also explores how technology companies can embed dignity into the design of their products—and how this approach might look in practice.

While this Article adds to the chorus of experts, scholars, policymakers, and ethicists calling for responsible AI development aligned with human values, its ambition and unique contribution lie in proposing dignity as a guiding principle. Specifically, it argues that technology companies should adopt human dignity as their “North Star” when designing, developing, and deploying AI products and technologies.

Finally, this Article concludes with some recommendations and areas for further research.

Recommended Citation

Armin Tadayon, Dignity by Design: A Human-Centered Framework for Ethical AI, 32 Wash. & Lee J. Civ. Rts. & Soc. Just. 81 (2026).
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.wlu.edu/crsj/vol32/iss1/4