The dark side of AI
We must consider AI's potential for harm and not just focus on its benefits. This is the only way to ensure safeguards, whether through legislation or built into the technology itself.
AI could be a gateway for invasive surveillance. The smartphones and other devices we've come to depend on have AI technologies embedded in them, harvesting our data.
AI could be a gateway for invasive surveillance. The smartphones and other devices we've come to depend on have AI technologies embedded in them, harvesting our data.
This data fuels government monitoring, corporate tracking and other invasive activities. The sheer ubiquity of tech should make us concerned about the possible erosion of our personal freedoms and privacy.
The conventional and historical view of the surveillance state is somewhere that imposes invasive technology on people. But, in the real world, the convenience and desirability of technology are persuading us to openly share our data and expose our private selves in ways where we might not always anticipate the consequences.
AI has other harmful implications. Where does creativity start and stop with AI and what will this do to intellectual property?
AI has other harmful implications. Where does creativity start and stop with AI and what will this do to intellectual property?
Will it widen a generational skills gap, leading to workplace tensions?
Plus, there's the big question around reality itself. AI technology supports the creation and distribution of deep-fake imagery. How do we know what's real and what's not and how might this influence our decisions?
Perhaps less immediately sinister but as ultimately damaging is the question of AI bias. If we largely base key areas of policy-making, planning and decision-making on AI, are we at risk of losing different perspectives and shutting down debate?
We can see from other tech-based examples how quickly things become the new normal.
Handle with care
AI is a tool. It requires careful and considered handling and application. But more than this, we mustn't sacrifice basic human ethics when pursuing technological efficiency.
Once we've recognised the challenges AI brings, recognising its strengths and weaknesses, we need to work collectively to find an approach to AI that balances innovation with responsibility and, where necessary, regulation.
