Elena Poughia
Speech
Frontiers of Ethical AI
As of early 2025, the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is shaped by several pivotal trends. A significant focus is on the integration of AI in military operations, exemplified by Israel's increased use of U.S.-made AI technologies in conflict zones, which has sparked debates over civilian safety and the moral ramifications of commercial AI in warfare. Concurrently, leading AI figures, such as Google DeepMind's CEO Demis Hassabis and Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei, have voiced concerns about the rapid advancement of AI, advocating for the establishment of international regulatory bodies to oversee AI development and mitigate potential risks. The global discourse on AI ethics has also seen divisions, notably with the U.S. and the U.K. opting out of a Paris summit declaration aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable AI, highlighting differing national approaches to AI governance. Technological breakthroughs, such as Meta's development of non-invasive brain-to-text interfaces, raise profound ethical and privacy questions regarding cognitive data protection. These developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive ethical frameworks and robust regulatory measures to navigate the complex challenges posed by AI's integration into various facets of society.
Profile
Elena Poughia is a dynamic professional whose career seamlessly integrates technology, art, and entrepreneurship. As the Managing Director of Dataconomy Media, she leads one of the world's top AI-focused publications, reaching an audience of 1.5 million monthly readers. In addition, Elena is the founder of Data Natives, Europe's largest data science and AI community, fostering collaboration and innovation across the continent.
With a multidisciplinary background, Elena's expertise spans artificial intelligence, arts, community empowerment, and entrepreneurship. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, ethics, aesthetics, and sustainability within the tech industry. Her advocacy for data privacy and AI ethics has led her to serve in expert groups at the European Union level, including contributions to the European Innovation Council (EIC).
Beyond her roles at Dataconomy and Data Natives, Elena co-founded LALA Art Space, a queer community-driven art venue located in the heart of Athens. This initiative reflects her passion for creating inclusive spaces that celebrate artistic expression and community engagement. Additionally, she is a founding member of Thousand Faces, a network dedicated to supporting female founders and investors, further exemplifying her commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in technology and business.
Elena's thought leadership extends to her active participation in conferences and mentorship programs. She frequently speaks on topics such as data ethics, diversity, and the societal impact of technology. Her mentorship roles with organizations like Tech2Impact and African Tech Vision underscore her dedication to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Educated in the United Kingdom, Elena's academic background includes studies in Economics, Art History, and Modern and Contemporary Art. This diverse educational foundation enriches her unique perspective at the intersection of technology and art. Residing in Berlin, she continues to influence the global tech landscape through her multifaceted endeavors and unwavering commitment to ethical, inclusive innovation.