Exploring AI Risks and Legislation

Dec 11, 2024

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.