This week, there has been significant focus on AI. The White House introduced an executive order aimed at promoting safe and trustworthy AI systems, while the G7 agreed on a voluntary code of conduct for AI companies. Additionally, the UK is hosting the AI Safety Summit to establish global rules on AI safety. However, some argue that attention should be given to the current harms caused by AI systems, rather than hypothetical risks in the future. Renowned AI researcher and activist Joy Buolamwini highlights the importance of addressing real harms and advocates for ethical data collection practices. Buolamwini’s experiences, along with other researchers, indicate that there is still a burnout problem in responsible AI efforts. Despite increased awareness of bias and harm caused by AI, speaking out against powerful tech companies can still be met with criticism and pushback. Ensuring diverse voices are heard is crucial.
This Week in AI: Regulations, Harms, and Responsible AI
This week, there have been significant developments in the field of AI, with a focus on regulations, the real harms caused by AI, and the importance of responsible AI. Here are the key highlights:
1. AI Regulations
The White House has introduced a new executive order to promote safe and trustworthy AI systems. This is the most comprehensive AI regulation in the US to date. The G7 has also agreed on a voluntary code of conduct for AI companies to minimize risks and harms. Additionally, the UK is hosting an AI Safety Summit to establish global rules on AI safety. These events indicate the dominant narrative surrounding the potential risks of AI.
2. Real Harms of AI
While concerns about hypothetical future risks of AI are being discussed, it is essential not to overlook the real harms caused by existing AI systems. Renowned AI researcher and activist, Joy Buolamwini, emphasizes that AI systems causing demonstrated harms are more dangerous than hypothetical sentient AI systems. Her work on bias in facial recognition systems led major companies to change their technology. Buolamwini calls for a radical rethink of how AI systems are built, starting with ethical data collection practices.
3. Responsible AI and Challenges
Responsible AI teams have become crucial in tech companies to ensure products are developed to mitigate potential harm. However, those who point out problems with AI systems often face criticism and pushback. Buolamwini herself encountered public attacks on her research. Speaking up against powerful technology companies still carries risks, hindering progress in addressing risks and harms associated with AI.
Deeper Learning: Interview with OpenAI’s Chief Scientist
Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist, shares his hopes and fears for the future of AI in an exclusive interview. He prioritizes preventing artificial superintelligence from going rogue and highlights the potential consciousness of ChatGPT. Sutskever emphasizes the need for society to recognize the true power of AI and envisions a future where humans merge with machines.
Bits and Bytes
Here are some additional noteworthy updates in the AI landscape:
- MIT and other institutions have audited and traced widely used fine-tuning datasets to address the lack of transparency in AI systems.
- McKinsey researchers suggest that generative AI may replace jobs predominantly held by women, such as customer service and sales.
- The United Nations has formed an AI advisory group to shape potential AI governance recommendations.
- San Francisco is experiencing a revitalization due to the emergence of AI startups.
- Author Margaret Atwood critiques AI literature and argues that published authors need not worry about AI.
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- Identify Automation Opportunities: Find key customer interaction points that can benefit from AI.
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- Implement Gradually: Start with a pilot, gather data, and expand AI usage thoughtfully.
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