Mastek Blog

Beyond Innovation: Building Fair and Sustainable Retail with Ethical AI

01-Oct-2025 05:39:21 / by Neeraja Vasudevan

Neeraja Vasudevan

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Online shopping has transformed the way customers experience fashion. Technology has made the journey faster and more personalized, from browsing collections to making purchase decisions. One of the most exciting innovations in this space is virtual try-on, which allows shoppers to see how clothes might look before they buy. What was once imagination is now a reality powered by AI.  

But with this innovation comes essential challenges.  

  • 1. Many customers feel excluded if AI showcases only “idealized” body shapes.  
  • 2. The preview feels unrealistic if the system does not adapt to different heights, builds, or sizes.  

The result? An experience that should feel empowering can quickly turn into disappointment.  

This is where Ethical AI makes a difference.  

At its core, Ethical AI is about building fair, inclusive, and transparent systems, ensuring that no customer feels overlooked. It also goes beyond fairness; it emphasizes responsible data collection, strict data protection, and adherence to both global and local regulations. Equally important, Ethical AI calls for sustainable practices, designing algorithms that consume less energy, reduce digital waste, and lower their environmental footprint. In an era where sustainability is a global priority, AI must align with these values.  

Applied to retail, Ethical AI means more than just “smart shopping.” It ensures try-ons and relevant product recommendations for all customers, representing real diversity instead of catering to a narrow view of beauty. At the same time, it supports green technology practices, showing that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.  

The shift is clear.  

Many organizations are racing ahead with AI-driven development, but the future belongs to Ethical AI. This next step not only powers innovation but also builds trust. Virtual try-ons that adapt to diverse body types reflect inclusivity. AI systems designed to minimize energy usage contribute to a more sustainable planet. The combination of fairness and sustainability ensures retail experiences that are inclusive, responsible, and future-ready.  

At Mastek, we believe technology must always serve people and the planet. Through our 'Lead With AI' initiative, we are committed to embedding ethical practices into every AI-driven solution. Our goal is to create advanced tools and empower organizations to adopt AI responsibly. That means solutions that respect diversity, comply with regulations, and promote sustainability, delivering value with accountability.  

The retail industry is evolving. Customers demand a personalized experience but are also more conscious than ever about fairness, inclusivity, and the environment. By embracing Ethical AI, retailers can meet these expectations, build stronger customer relationships, and contribute to a more sustainable world.  

The future of retail isn’t just AI-driven. It’s Ethical AI–driven! 

 

Topics: Retail, Retail Tech, AI, Ethical AI

Neeraja Vasudevan

Written by Neeraja Vasudevan

Neeraja is a technology leader with over a decade of experience in retail and ecommerce application delivery. A passionate tech enthusiast, Neeraja works on AI driven and cloud-native innovations, where she is focused on translating ideas into practical solutions. She enjoys mentoring and fostering team growth, blending technical expertise with leadership to deliver scalable, impactful solutions that drive organizational success.

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