October 2nd, 2025, 09h30-17h30,
SwissTech Convention Center, EPFL

Introduction

As we enter the agentic era, AI agents are increasingly integrated into various aspects of modern life, performing tasks that range from personal assistance and financial management to complex decision-making in industries. These AI agents, driven by powerful algorithms, are transforming how we interact with technology and each other. However, their proliferation also introduces significant challenges, such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, economic and business disruptions, ethical dilemmas, and privacy concerns. This conference aims to delve into how AI agents could challenge existing systems and structures while exploring strategies to mitigate these threats effectively. Industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders will convene to discuss the implications of AI agents and collaborate on building a resilient future that harnesses their potential responsibly.

This event is organized by the Center for Digital Trust (C4DT), EPFL in collaboration with [tbc]

Objectives

• To identify and analyze the threats posed by AI agents, including cybersecurity risks, ethical challenges, and privacy issues.
• To present innovative research and technological solutions aimed at enhancing the security and ethical deployment of AI agents.
• To explore the roles and responsibilities of diverse stakeholders in addressing the threats posed by AI agents.

Discussion points

• Cybersecurity Threats
  • Examine vulnerabilities specific to AI agents and strategies for safeguarding against cyber threats, such as vulnerabilities of AI agents (data manipulation, adversarial attacks), AI agent misuse (spoofing AI Identities, etc.)
• Economic Disruption
  • Impact on the Job Market: Analyze how automation by AI agents affects employment patterns and industries.
  • Strategies for Workforce Displacement and Inequality: Discuss policies and practices to mitigate the negative effects on the workforce, including retraining programs and support for displaced workers.
• Business Model Disruption
  • Explore how AI agents could transform traditional business models, with a focus on the Software as a Service (SaaS) model and other industry shifts.
• Autonomy versus Control
  • Find the right balance between allowing AI agents the independence they need to perform tasks effectively and maintaining necessary human oversight to prevent loss of control.
• Privacy Concerns
  • Address how AI agents impact data privacy and discuss regulatory measures to protect personal information.
• Ethical and Social Implications
  • Explore the ethical responsibilities associated with AI decision-making and frameworks for ethical AI agent deployment.
  • Analyze how AI agents influence social structures and interactions, including concerns about bias and fairness.
• Policy and Regulation
  • Evaluate current regulations related to autonomous AI agents and identify areas needing reform. Discuss the need for policies to govern the development and use of AI agents effectively.
• Accountability
  • Clear Responsibility Chains: It is crucial to define who is accountable for the actions and decisions made by AI agents. This might include developers, operators, or organizations that deploy AI agents.
    Liability and Redress Mechanisms: Establishing clear liability frameworks ensures there are mechanisms for redress in cases where AI agents cause harm or make erroneous decisions. This promotes trust and accountability.

09h00

Registration and Welcome Coffee

09h30

Welcome and Introductory Remarks

by [tba]

10h45

Coffee Break

12h30

Lunch

15h40

Coffee Break

17h20

Concluding Remarks

by [tba]

17h30

Networking Reception