Ethics of Using Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools in Research

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital technologies has transformed the research landscape, offering powerful tools for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Alongside these opportunities, new ethical challenges have emerged, extending beyond traditional research ethics. Issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, ownership, transparency, and accountability have become central to maintaining integrity in scientific inquiry. This chapter explores key ethical principles, including respect for persons, beneficence, non maleficence, and justice, in the context of AI assisted research. It examines risks of overreliance on automated decision making, threats to authenticity in digital environments, and complexities of intellectual property. Emphasis is placed on responsible innovation, human oversight, global guidelines, and frameworks to balance technological potential with ethical responsibility.