The University of Southern California (USC) recently launched its inaugural summit for the Institute on Ethics and Trust in Computing (IETC), focusing on the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI). Held on March 25, 2026, at the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall, the summit brought together experts from various disciplines, including business, law, and philosophy, to discuss how AI can be developed ethically and responsibly. The IETC, established through a collaboration among USC's Viterbi School of Engineering, School of Advanced Computing, and Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, aims to ensure that AI technologies serve human interests and are reliable and trustworthy.

Keynote speakers, including USC professors and industry leaders, addressed the historical contributions of higher education to AI's evolution, emphasizing that current advancements are built on decades of research. The discussions included topics such as the need for diverse perspectives in AI alignment, the importance of ethical frameworks in AI systems, and the potential risks associated with AI, including issues of transparency and accountability. The summit underscored the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex challenges posed by AI technologies and ensure they are beneficial for society.