As a rapidly growing field, nonhuman animal communication technologies (NACTs) can offer humans a wealth of information about what nonhumans are saying to one another. However, as scientists embark on utilizing these technologies to study nonhuman speech, it is critical that principles and ethics are put in place to protect nonhumans from harm as they are studied. Currently, these principles are few and far between, but Project CETI and the More-Than-Human Life (MOTH) Program at NYU School of Law have come together to address this issue.
In November 2024, CETI and MOTH brought together leading scientists in the nonhuman communication, animal welfare, human and animal research ethics, environmental law, data governance, and artificial intelligence spheres for a one-day workshop. Together, the workshop participants discussed the risks and opportunities presented by NACTs and deliberated on potential principles to guide ethical, responsible behavior and mitigate identified risks. The workshop’s collaborations and discussions also yielded a plan of action, including the publication of a forthcoming MOTH report which proposes a set of guidelines titled: Legal & Ethical Principles for the Responsible Development of NACTs. These legal and ethical principles are built on the foundation that nonhumans are subjects not objects and that technology should not try to dominate nature.
There are 18 proposed principles that fall one of the five following categories:
- Procedural responsibilities to be honored throughout the lifecycle of NACTs
- Interests of the animal, or the robust incorporation and prioritization of nonhuman animal interests in decision-making regarding NACTs
- Prevention of the risks and harms associated with the use of NACTs
- Implementation of these principles in NACT processes
- The remediation of harms
Through these proposed principles, the hope is that research on nonhuman species can be conducted in a manner that allows them to remain safe and provide humans with a better understanding of our natural world, not at their expense. For more information on the proposed guardrails, see this article in Open Global Rights.