Dear Ethicist,

I work as a gift officer at a healthcare-focused nonprofit, and recently, my team has been contemplating the use of voice-recording devices during donor meetings to enhance our note-taking processes. The idea is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe and summarize recordings to use as contact reports in our customer relationship management (CRM) platform. While this could potentially save us a lot of time and improve the accuracy of our records, I'm concerned about the ethical implications, especially when donors discuss sensitive health-related information. Should we be seeking explicit permission not only to record these conversations but also for taking notes in general? I worry about the impact this might have on the authenticity and trustworthiness of our interactions. Are we risking our donors' comfort and privacy for operational efficiency?

Sincerely,

Nelly Notetaker

Dear Nelly Notetaker,

Your inquiry highlights a pivotal ethical dilemma at the intersection of technology and personal privacy, particularly in the sensitive context of healthcare fundraising. The transition towards AI-assisted documentation brings both opportunities and challenges that necessitate careful ethical consideration.

First and foremost, the consent of the donor is paramount. While traditional note-taking during meetings is generally accepted practice, recording conversations introduces a new level of intrusion that may not be as readily accepted at this time. It is crucial to consider whether the donors would be as open and honest if they knew their conversations were being recorded. This could potentially affect the quality and genuineness of the information shared, thereby impacting the relationship and trust built with the donor.

The efficiency gained from using AI to handle routine tasks such as note transcription must be weighed against the ethical responsibilities we hold. In sectors like healthcare, where donors may share sensitive information, the stakes are even higher. It’s essential to ensure that such technologies are implemented in a way that respects the privacy and expectations of our donors.

To potentially increase acceptance of this practice, consider these options:

• Human Review: Require that a second party, ideally someone other than the note-taker, review the AI-generated notes before they are stored in the CRM. This can help ensure that sensitive information is not inadvertently captured or stored.
• Donor Review: Allow donors to review the notes at the end of each meeting. This practice can provide donors with a sense of control and assurance about what information is being recorded and preserved.

As we integrate more sophisticated technologies into our fundraising practices, developing clear, transparent policies regarding their use is crucial. These policies should address explicit consent, data minimization and the security and confidentiality of donor information.

Raising awareness and stimulating dialogue within your organization about these new tools is a responsible step towards ethical innovation. Each organization must evaluate its own risk tolerance and the comfort levels of its donors. As fundraising professionals, our goal should always be to align our methods and practices with the best interests of those we serve. While AI offers promising advancements in efficiency and accuracy, it is our duty to approach these innovations with a strong ethical compass, prioritizing the trust and comfort of our donors.

Technically yours,

The Ethicist