Ethical Issues of Generative AI in the Aviation Cybersecurity Environment

The present study aims to analyze the ethical issues related to the use of generative artificial intelligence in aviation, with a particular focus on cybersecurity aspects. Therefore, all existing ethical concerns regarding bias, misinformation, fraud, privacy, and copyright infringement on the internet apply equally to content created by generative artificial intelligence. These concerns underscore the well-documented issues about the bias of internet search engine algorithms. Numerous parties have contended that ethical considerations should have been a factor in the development of this technology. This article discusses the results of a survey conducted among students of the Polish Air Force Academy, which addresses key issues related to regulation, training, and awareness-raising regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence. A mixed-methods approach was utilized in the present study. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (N = 57, F = 27, M = 30) conducted between September and October 2024. Furthermore, a total of 15 semi-structured anonymous interviews were conducted with experts in cybersecurity and AI ethics to obtain qualitative information. The interviews were conducted with aviation specialists, cybersecurity analysts, and AI ethics researchers who had between five and 20 years of experience. The aviation sector was selected as the subject of the study due to its high sensitivity to technological risk, its reliance on secure systems, and the critical importance of public trust in automated and AI-assisted systems. In Poland, there is only one university that specializes in aviation and accepts both military and civilian students. This research will make a substantial contribution to enhancing aviation safety in the future through the implementation of a robust management framework based on comprehensive knowledge. This research is of particular pertinence in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and in Poland's neighborhood.