Lecture Notes on AI and Its Societal Risks

Introduction

• Discussion on the potential dangers of AI.
• AI poses risks to social order and democracy.
• Importance of understanding lawmakers' concerns regarding AI.

Understanding AI

• Definition of AI:
  • Computers performing tasks beyond human capabilities.
  • Code instructs computers, but AI learns from data.
• AI can solve problems in ways that mimic human intelligence, hence the term "artificial intelligence."

Dangers of AI

Predictive Policing

• Definition: Using AI to predict criminal behavior.
• Issues:
  • Can lead to wrongful arrests (example of misidentification in Detroit).
  • Risks of mass surveillance and privacy infringement.
• Recent EU AI bill: Prohibits predictive policing based on personal data.

Impact on Elections and Democracy

• Concerns about AI's role in spreading misinformation through deep fakes.
• Examples of potential AI-generated misinformation affecting voter trust.
• Strategies to mitigate risks:
  • California laws requiring labeling of synthetic media.
  • EU's AI Act requiring watermarks on deep fakes.

Social Scoring

• Definition: Systems that score individuals based on their behavior.
• Concerns:
  • Potential for discrimination and inequality.
  • U.S. credit scoring as an example of existing discriminatory practices.
• European stance: Social scoring using AI is seen as an unacceptable risk.

Nuclear Weapons

• Risks of AI autonomy in military decisions.
• Concerns about AI mistakenly launching nuclear weapons due to misinterpretation of data.
• Legislative efforts: Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous AI Act.

Critical Sectors

• Sectors dependent on AI: Water, electricity, transportation.
• Risks:
  • AI could exacerbate inequalities in service delivery.
  • Potential for catastrophic failures due to lack of human oversight.
• Legislative response: Ensuring transparency in AI decision-making processes.

Optimism for AI's Future

• Potential benefits of AI:
  • Improved healthcare, agricultural efficiency, and disaster preparedness.
• Importance of responsible legislation to harness AI's advantages while mitigating risks.

Conclusion

• The future of AI is exciting but must be approached with caution.
• Acknowledgment of experts like Carme Artigas who work to create responsible AI legislation.