Choose your lawyer: Kim or AI.
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If you’re receiving this newsletter, you’ve either subscribed or you’re checking it out to see if you’re interested in what I’m sharing. Either way, thanks for being here!
I created this newsletter as a way to share relevant AI news and articles, and give a responsible AI perspective. I’m looking to build a community of individuals who can respectfully engage in dialogue about the most sensitive technology concerns of our time. If you’d like to discuss these things further, you can comment below or join my Discord server to chat with myself and other like-minded individuals.
This week in AI we’re grappling with the reality of technology that presents as helpful and how it can turn negative REAL fast.
Honestly, I think there’s a case to be made for using AI as your lawyer, namely that it would help offset the extraordinary cost of legal services - a cost most Americans can ill afford. I mean, could it be helpful to have an AI lawyer for your traffic infraction? Could an AI lawyer be helpful for minor disputes? Maybe.
Joshua Browder, CEO of DoNotPay, was planning on taking AI to the courtroom and having it argue a minor case. It was publicized widely and got a lot of traction in the news cycle. The dream was laid to rest, however, when the State Bar threatened him with jail time for using an AI lawyer. You can read more about it here.
So, why the backlash? Well, some people are saying that lawyers are afraid they’ll lose their jobs. Frankly, I don’t think this holds much weight. Anyone who has been through a legal dispute (or watched the trial of Darrell Brooks) knows that legal procedure is complex and legal arguments are nuanced. I think people are genuinely concerned with how AI lawyers could potentially harm individuals who might rely on their “expertise” - most likely those individuals who cannot afford legal services. Furthermore, there’s nobody to hold accountable if the AI goes south or becomes unreliable in some way. Either way, we’re bound to see more disputes about whether AI should be used in the legal profession, and I’m guessing the courts just aren’t open to innovations of this sort.
Have you heard? After a stunning appearance on the world stage, Bing Chat (ChatGPT on Bing search) is putting limits on engagement. Users can now ask 5 questions per session, and a maximum of 50 questions per day. Why? Because the AI went off the rails and apparently began manipulating and insulting users. You can read more here.
I think this is a bold move for Microsoft. A lot of people in the RAI community have been critical of OpenAI and Microsoft, and the rollout of ChatGPT/Bing Chat. I can understand why they’re critical, for sure. Chatbots are dangerous. They’re hard to manage, they cause confusion, and people can get attached to them in unhealthy ways a la Blake Lemoine.)
However, for Microsoft to release this technology, acknowledge the limits and potential harm, and reel it back in by placing limits on the chat is a massive move and I think it should be recognized as such. In my opinion, it sets a standard for responsible AI and companies being willing to admit that they were wrong about a rollout. Although, critics would rightfully argue that the limits should have been implemented before the rollout, not the other way around. Honestly, I get it. What do you think? Was the rollout of ChatGPT and Bing Chat a boon for the tech world or a disaster? Let me know in the comments or on my Discord server.
Have you heard of Bedrock? It’s a public benefit corporation that develops technology to help with ocean exploration and mapping the ocean floor, which to me is like the earth equivalent of mapping the human genome. They’re redesigning the marine survey experience, and they’re using sleek water robots to do it. That means they don’t put humans at risk deep sea diving, and they don’t put cameras on animals to gather information. Oh, and they’re hiring! I love their mission and approach, and I think they’re a company to watch.
Chat GPT & Classwork - Olivia Dunne promotes AI
Ford is focusing on automated driving using Latitude AI
The crazy things Microsoft’s chatbot is saying
The new Romanian AI advisor, Ion (Read this Vice article with caution. A more reputable news source had this article behind a paywall, so I chose this link to share.)
I regularly get asked how people can get into responsible AI, so here are some resources! I’ll keep adding to this list as I come across more information.
Responsible AI Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to helping organizations on their responsible AI journey. They provide awesome ways for their members to get connected through their Slack channel, get resources through their newsletter, and get invited to community events. Plus they’re a leader in responsible AI, so they’re a company to watch.
The Center for AI and Digital Policy offers policy clinics, and they look amazing. If you’re interested in AI policy, this might be for you! I’m hoping to apply for the Fall 2023 session.
Thanks for checking out this newsletter, and feel free to connect with me on Discord, in the comments or via email to provide feedback, ask questions, etc. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn!