A framework of diversity, equity, and inclusion safeguards for chatbots

Chatbots such as ChatGPT are conversational agents that play an important role in many sectors. They are highly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) agents increasingly integrated into organizational functions ranging from customer support to recruitment and professional development. Alongside the increasing adoption of chatbots is an increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This article presents a series of chatbot examples and discusses their associated DEI implications, such as those related to AI bias. From the cases reviewed in this article, we extract a framework of DEI safeguards, which includes input safeguards, design safeguards, and functional safeguards. This framework can be used by those involved in developing AI based chatbots or managing their use to ensure that chatbots support, rather than weaken, organizational DEI initiatives and strategies.