Appian CEO Matt Calkins Urges AI Industry to Prioritize Trust and Embrace a New Era of Responsible Development

Matt Calkins' Call for Responsible AI Development

Matt Calkins, cofounder and CEO of Appian—a leader in low-code automation solutions—has challenged the AI industry to prioritize responsible development. Recently, he introduced a set of guidelines aimed at fostering trust between AI providers and their users, addressing escalating concerns over data privacy, intellectual property, and rapid AI advancements.

“We all want to maximize the benefits of AI,” Calkins stated in an exclusive interview. “I'm not here as a skeptic trying to impede progress; rather, I want to see AI flourish.”

Calkins criticized current AI regulation efforts for neglecting essential issues like data provenance and fair use, pointing out that big tech companies often avoid these discussions. “Big tech doesn’t want to talk about data provenance or fair use,” he said. “We're in a gray zone, where major firms race ahead while other stakeholders look on in concern, advocating for rules to ensure responsible practices.”

Appian's Guidelines for Trustworthy AI

To address these concerns, Appian's guidelines focus on four principles:

1. Disclosure of data sources.

2. Use of private data solely with consent and compensation.

3. Anonymization and permission for personally identifiable information.

4. Consent and compensation for copyrighted material.

Calkins believes these principles will establish user trust, making AI more relevant to individuals and organizations.

Trust: The Next Phase of AI Development

Calkins elucidates that the future of AI is not merely about data consumption but rather about establishing trust. “The next phase of AI is a race for trust,” he remarked. By nurturing trust, AI systems can gain access to more pertinent data, delivering greater value than the current, less discriminative data-gathering methods. This trust hinges on AI providers' commitment to responsible practices that emphasize user privacy and consent.

Appian’s Competitive Edge in Trustworthy AI

As a prominent low-code automation provider, Appian is well-positioned to leverage the shift toward trustworthy AI. Its platform allows organizations to develop AI-powered applications while upholding data security and privacy—offering a competitive advantage as companies increasingly seek AI solutions that prioritize user trust.

Calkins’ initiative comes amid heightened scrutiny of the AI sector by regulators and the public, with concerns over job displacement, algorithmic bias, and misuse by malicious actors. By setting forth these guidelines, he not only addresses these challenges but also establishes Appian as a frontrunner in the responsible AI movement.

The AI Industry's Next Steps

Though Calkins has yet to secure partners for his guidelines, he is hopeful. “This is our launch moment,” he shared. “I plan to outline the terms and invite collaborators, aiming to make this initiative simple and appealing.”

The stakes for the AI industry are significant. Calkins contends that the previous phase—focused on maximizing data acquisition—has been exhausted. The new era will be characterized by trust, where companies that can cultivate user confidence and prove their commitment to ethical AI development will thrive.

Calkins’ framework provides a clear path for the industry to navigate this evolution. By emphasizing transparency, user consent, and respect for intellectual property, AI providers can foster the trust necessary to unlock AI’s full potential. The challenge now lies in whether other industry players will adopt Appian’s advocacy for responsible innovation.

As the AI landscape undergoes this transformation, one thing is evident: success will favor those who create not only powerful algorithms but also trustworthy solutions. With his forward-thinking vision and commitment to ethical practices, Matt Calkins has placed Appian at the forefront of this crucial movement, setting a standard for the entire industry to aspire to.