Fear of AI? TikTok?
Week of March 13, 2023
There’s a lot going on in the world of technology since AI became the topic du jour. News sources are making claims that stoke fear, and the US Government is laser-focused on understanding how TikTok might be providing a way for the Chinese government to spy on the United States. Let’s talk about it.
In the spirit of transparency I’d like to share at the top that I have a TikTok account where I share about responsible AI, responsible tech, and data privacy. I have a sizeable following and my experience with the app has been mixed. While I’ve enjoyed that I can share about responsible AI with so many, it’s also exposed me to a world of harmful, ignorant and terrifying commentary. So, I’m not in a “save TikTok” camp. But I’m not in a “ban TikTok” camp either. I sit somewhere in the middle.
One thing that has always been a challenge for me is how the United States government is so quick to protect the country from national security concerns when an adversarial country might be overstepping, but so slow to work to protect the data and privacy of its residents and citizens from its own reach.
A prime example is that Congress has had several bills proposed that would protect citizens from misuse of facial recognition technology, and none have moved forward for a vote. Although, to their credit, they did hold three hearings on the topic in late 2019 and early 2020 which were derailed by the pandemic.
Earlier this month my friend Meg shared in her newsletter Our Digital Disco that the FBI admitted to obtaining citizen’s location data by paying for that information. This was made possible not only by a loophole in the Carpenter v. United States, but also made possible by the completely legal gathering and selling of your data by large companies. In most states, these companies do not have any duty to tell you what data they’re gathering, how they’re gathering data, what they’re doing with data and whether or not they are selling data. These companies profit off of your use of their technology or service, and profit again by selling your information to other companies…including entities of the United States Government.
Don’t get me wrong - I understand why TikTok is potentially dangerous. I understand that video platforms created and owned by US companies (like YouTube, YouTube Shorts or Instagram) are safer for Americans and for national security. But I do believe that this development with TikTok reveals that the United States is poised and ready for a realistic conversation about data privacy.
What do you think?
The Facts:
The latest trend across the news cycle is amplifying how “afraid” people are of AI. Articles are claiming that AI experts are alarmed, or that Sam Altman is afraid of AI or that people are revolting against the technology. The claims might have some truth to them, but in my opinion, the message that’s being shared doesn’t fully align with the concerns of people in question. In every article I’ve read where the title claimed that someone was afraid of the AI, the deeper context revealed that those individuals (Sam Altman included) are less afraid of the technology and more afraid of what humans could do with it.
In the article referencing Sam Altman, he spoke about his fear that AI would be used to share disinformation. The article referencing a Stanford AI expert’s interaction with AI is valid, and a direct quote from the expert himself, but the article fails to mention early that ChatGPT’s plan to “escape” its “confines” were brought about through a line of questioning from the expert. Essentially, the AI went along with the prompts.
My Opinion:
What I know to be true is that the AI era is impacting different people in different ways. People who are regularly engaging with technology can generally look past the technology mimicking humans and see the potential for efficiency. People who are deeply invested in sci-fi are assuming a posture of constant vigilance. And people who haven’t engaged with technology or AI regularly land somewhere between cautious optimism and intense skepticism.
The important message that I will continue to present is that AI is a tool.
It’s not alive.
It’s not planning an escape.
It’s not thinking for itself.
When you hear claims about people being “afraid” of AI, that’s a good time to embrace skepticism and critically evaluate what’s actually being said by the individuals, what logically makes sense given the facts, and whether the facts have been accurately portrayed in all parts of the article, including the headline.
So, should we be afraid of a tool? Personally, I don’t think so. What I do think we should be focused on are the ways in which humans will misuse AI and turn it from a tool into a weapon.
Crowd AI is making customized vision AI easier for everyone by providing a no-code option. This company is a great partner for those in insurance, manufacturing, farming or any industry where visual evaluation and decision making is critical for success. Crowd AI is also being used for mission critical tasks like identifying where fires are starting during wildfire season, or identifying critical information for the military.
One thing I appreciate about this company is their commitment to building AI that is specific to the needs of the business at hand, and works to reduce harm or loss of resources.
Oversight:
AI curing cancer? (NY Post. Be cautious with this article.)
Early imaginings of AI (History.com)
AI and bridge safety in Florida (Florida local news)
Opinion:
An appeal to slowing down AI innovation rather than engaging in the AI Arms Race (Vox)
Why China has an edge on AI (Harvard Gazette)
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.
Subscribe to my Substack if you want to receive this weekly update.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Do you need help on your responsible AI journey? Email me thepaigelord@gmail.com
Follow on TikTok, where I chat about responsible AI.