Two strong voices with a single mission: how responsibility shapes innovation – and how AI is becoming fair

Kim Kordel: These days, our customers expect digital services that are simple, fast and reliable. This requirement is driving the digital transformation forward and challenging the entire market. Competitors are also focusing on innovations to reduce costs and strengthen their position. To ensure that Swiss Post remains competitive and relevant to the general public, we are consistently investing in future technologies – from automated sorting and autonomous driving to digital customer platforms.
What is meant by the ethical design of digital technologies?

Christina Meyer: For us, taking responsibility means fairness, transparency and taking into consideration the impact on individuals and society. To this end, we have drafted the Digital ethics guidelines, defining clear principles and ambitions. With our ethics-by-design approach, we test the ethical aspects of digital solutions at an early stage. This is supported by processes and tools that ensure that the topic remains present at all times.

Another important part of the digital transformation is the use and application of artificial intelligence. Why is diversity of decisive importance for fair AI?

Christina Meyer: AI learns from data. Data lacking in diversity and data reflecting a distorted image of the past lead to one-sided, biased results. That’s why we focus on diversity: both in the data basis and in the teams that design AI. Different perspectives are essential for recognizing and avoiding bias.

Kim Kordel: Digital solutions are better if they reflect the diversity of society. Studies show that significantly more men use generative AI – this is shaping the development of the technology. If women do not play an active role in shaping change, there is a risk that innovations will become one-sided.

How is Swiss Post promoting the trustworthy use of AI?

AI has long been part of everyday working life for many people, but is still uncertain territory for others. At Swiss Post, we use an AI tool for everyday tasks. It simplifies access, promotes trustworthy use and helps people to get used to AI – so that they can also discover the benefits for larger processes. With our training and empowerment services, we develop digital skills and help to reduce the digitization divide between experienced and less experienced employees.