Ethical Challenges in AI-Assisted Translation

Abstract

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools in professional translation has expanded rapidly, positioning systems such as ChatGPT, DeepL, and DeepSeek as common supports in the translation process. However, their widespread adoption has raised ethical concerns related to authorship, textual fidelity, professional responsibility, and transparency in the use of these technologies. This article analyzes the main ethical dilemmas emerging in AI-assisted translation practice, based on a critical literature review, the study of professional standards, and representative examples of the everyday use of these tools. It addresses tensions such as the translator’s invisibility, the risk of misinformation, technological dependency, and the potential violation of fundamental principles of the translation profession. The objective is to propose a set of ethical guidelines to assist professionals and educators in the responsible use of AI, emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity of the translation profession in the context of automation. The reflections presented here contribute to outlining an essential ethical framework for a critical and contextualized translation practice in the digital era.