Ethical Frameworks for Agentic Digital Twins: Decision-Making Autonomy vs Human Oversight

Abstract

Given that digital twins are gradually supplanting human decision-makers with their own autonomous systems, this article explores some of the ethical concerns raised by this development in the context of the banking, military, and healthcare sectors. The current trend toward machine autonomy raises serious ethical questions about how best to balance the needs of autonomous systems with those of humans. This study explores the ethical implications of digital twins in high-risk settings, specifically in the areas of autonomy, accountability, and openness. To gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of implementing autonomous digital twins, real-life examples are examined through the use of AI ethics and explanatory frameworks, as well as through policy simulations. The study stresses the importance of ethical leadership that promotes open and honest decision-making while taking human agency into account. Finally, models for the ethical and safe introduction of digital twins in key industries are presented in the article.