Unveiling the ethical layer of Conga’s Advantage AI: a new standard in responsible contract management 

This blog post was co-authored by Mahdi Sharif, VP of Product Management and Jason Smith, Sr. Principal, Strategy & Transformation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work, reshaping industries, and enabling unprecedented innovation. However, as AI evolves, it brings both opportunities and challenges—particularly around ethical considerations. At Conga, we believe that responsible AI is not just an obligation; it’s an opportunity to build trust and create solutions that truly empower our customers.

At the core of this commitment is the ethical AI layer within Conga’s Advantage AI and the Conga Advantage Platform —a framework that governs the ethical use of customer data while enabling advanced automation and insight gathering for the full revenue lifecycle. This blog explores how Conga’s ethical AI layer aligns with international guidelines, promotes responsible innovation, and delivers tangible benefits for legal and contract management professionals.

Global push for ethical AI

AI’s rapid advancement has sparked a global conversation about its ethical implications. Organizations like UNESCO are leading the charge to establish guidelines that ensure AI is developed responsibly. In 2021, UNESCO’s General Conference adopted a Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a landmark document designed to guide AI development in ways that respect human rights, promote inclusivity, and protect the environment.

In addition to international efforts, AI legislation has gained traction in the United States. Forty-five states, as well as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., have introduced AI legislation. Thirty-one of those states, along with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have already enacted these laws, underscoring the importance of governing AI technologies at both state and federal levels.

For professions tasked with managing legal documents and compliance, understanding and applying these ethical guidelines is crucial. AI technologies, when applied correctly, can streamline revenue management at every step, improve visibility into risk management, and enhance overall efficiency. However, without adherence to ethical standards, these technologies can also introduce biases, exacerbate inequalities, and lead to legal and reputational risks.

AI has the potential to benefit legal teams by automating complex tasks, improving accuracy, and enhancing decision-making. However, these benefits come with responsibilities. Mishandled AI can have severe consequences, as seen in several high-profile cases:

• IBM’s Data Misappropriation Lawsuit: IBM is facing legal action from Los Angeles over allegations of improper data use collected via its weather app. This case underscores the importance of data privacy and the need for ethical AI practices to avoid legal complications.

• Goldman Sachs' Credit Limit Issue: Goldman Sachs’ AI tool for Apple Cards was criticized for choosing to offer women lower credit limits compared to men, highlighting the need for fairness and transparency.

These examples illustrate the risks associated with neglecting AI ethics. For legal teams, implementing ethical AI is not just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about leveraging AI in a way that promotes fairness, accuracy, and transparency in contract management processes.

Advantage AI’s ethical AI layer: built for responsible innovation

Conga’s Advantage AI platform is designed with a foundational ethical AI layer that helps ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically, and transparently. This trust layer governs every aspect of how customer data is handled, how algorithms are designed, and how insights are delivered—empowering organizations to harness AI confidently.

Our core principles for ethical AI are:

• Transparency and explainability. We create AI models that are transparent and explainable. This means users should understand how our AI features arrive at decisions and recommendations. 

• Fairness and non-discrimination. We are committed to developing AI that is fair and unbiased. We will actively mitigate potential biases in our algorithms and datasets to ensure all customers are treated equally. 

• Privacy and security. We respect user privacy and take data security very seriously. We will implement robust safeguards to protect user data and ensure it is used only for the intended purposes as outlined in our Privacy Notice. 

• Human oversight and accountability. We believe AI should be a tool to empower humans, not replace them. We will maintain human oversight over all AI-powered features and be accountable for their outcomes. 

• User control and choice. We will provide users with control over their data and the AI features they interact with. Users should have the option to opt out of AI-driven recommendations or personalization, where applicable. 

• Continuous improvement. We recognize that AI is a constantly evolving field. We are committed to ongoing research and development to ensure our AI practices remain ethical and responsible.

   

The Impact of ethical AI on legal and contract management

By embedding the ethical AI layer into Advantage AI, Conga empowers legal teams to securely:

• Automate complex tasks: AI-driven solutions handle routine tasks with speed and precision.

• Enhance risk management: advanced tools identify potential risks early, allowing teams to act proactively.

• Drive transparency: explainable AI ensures clarity in decision-making, fostering trust and compliance.

How the ethical AI layer elevates Conga’s Advantage AI

1. Governance structure and core team

• Teams oversee AI ethics and ensure best practices are embedded across products.

• Legal benefit: minimizes risk while meeting stringent regulatory and compliance standards.

   

2. Data security and privacy

• Comprehensive measures protect sensitive customer data, ensuring its responsible use.

• Legal benefit: safeguards contract data and aligns with global privacy laws.

   

3. Collaborative development

• Cross-functional teams address ethical concerns holistically during product development.

• Legal benefit: ensures solutions are both effective and aligned with ethical and legal standards.

   

4. Penetration testing and bias assessments

• Regular testing strengthens security and ensures algorithms remain robust and unbiased.

• Legal benefit: enhances data security and protects sensitive information during contract management.

   

5. Feature enhancements and roadmap planning

• Ethical considerations guide future development, keeping Conga’s solutions ahead of emerging risks.

• Legal benefit: provides forward-looking tools that adapt to changing industry needs.

Why ethical AI matters to leaders

Adopting an ethical AI framework is not just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic necessity that can significantly impact an organization’s success. As a leader, ensuring that the technology your company invests in adheres to ethical AI standards is crucial for several reasons:

• Mitigating risks. Implementing ethical AI practices helps you avoid legal, reputational, and financial risks associated with unethical applications of technology. Companies that neglect ethical considerations can face lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and damage to their brand reputation. By prioritizing ethical AI, you protect your organization from these potential pitfalls, safeguarding your investments and stakeholder trust.

• Improving business outcomes. Aligning AI practices with ethical standards can lead to better business outcomes. Ethical AI promotes fairness and inclusivity, which can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. By demonstrating that your organization values ethical practices, you can build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders, ultimately driving long-term success.

• Maintaining a competitive advantage. In today’s market, consumers and clients are increasingly concerned about the ethical implications of technology. Leaders who prioritize ethical AI can differentiate their organizations, appealing to a growing segment of the market that values corporate responsibility. This not only attracts customers but also retains talent who want to work for ethical companies.

• Future-proofing your organization. The landscape of AI technology is rapidly evolving, and regulatory frameworks are likely to become more stringent. By adopting ethical AI practices now, your organization will be better positioned to adapt to future regulations and standards, minimizing disruption and maintaining compliance.

• Building a culture of responsibility. Integrating ethical AI standards into your organization promotes a culture of responsibility and accountability. This cultural shift not only enhances decision-making but also empowers employees to consider the ethical implications of their work, leading to more conscientious practices across all levels of the organization.

Conga Advantage AI and ethical AI layer sets a new standard for responsible innovation in contract management. By embedding this trust layer into every product decision, we deliver solutions that empower you to unlock the full potential of your revenue lifecycle.

Ethical AI is not just about avoiding pitfalls—it’s about unlocking new opportunities for growth, trust, and collaboration. Join us on this journey toward a future where AI enhances our capabilities while upholding the principles that matter most.

Explore how Conga Advantage AI can transform your contract management processes ethically and effectively. Learn more here.