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Ethical Considerations of Using Generative AI in Software Development

Authors:
Tiina Tuomisto
Lasse Harjumaa

Keywords: Generative artificial intelligence; ethics; software de- velopment; GenAI; GenAI tools

Abstract:
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is gaining more and more popularity among different professions, and it is also transforming software development by enabling automated text, code, and image generation, enhancing productivity across various tasks. This study examines the most common use cases of GenAI tools in software development, alongside software professionals’ experiences, ethical concerns, and awareness of ethical guidelines related to GenAI. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with IT professionals in Finland, the research identifies that GenAI tools are primarily used for programming, software testing, and general problem-solving. While these tools accelerate workflows, challenges such as unreliable outputs, outdated training data, and ethical concerns - particularly regarding transparency, bias, and data security - remain significant. The findings align with previous research, highlighting both the benefits and risks of GenAI adoption. Ethical considerations, though acknowledged, are rarely integrated into daily practices, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and education. This study contributes to the discourse on the evolving role of AI in software engineering, underscoring the importance of ethical awareness and responsible AI utilization.

Pages: 53 to 59

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025

Publication date: September 28, 2025

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4235

ISBN: 978-1-68558-296-8

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from September 28, 2025 to October 2, 2025