AI’s Dual Nature: A Brave New World with Dark Shadows – The Race to Regulate and Preserve Rights
Artificial Intelligence has become a pivotal part of technology’s progress. It’s everywhere, from making tasks easier to helping doctors find better treatments. AI’s potential seems limitless, offering efficiency and benefits to all kinds of businesses and organizations. But it’s crucial not to downplay the possible risks either.
When AI is applied in social media and online marketing, it reveals its shadowy side. It’s not uncommon to encounter fake accounts run by AI bots pretending to be real people. They spread misinformation and push hidden agendas, making it hard to trust what we see online. Deepfake technology, where AI can create convincing fake images and videos, is downright scary. It’s used by fraudsters and cybercriminals to deceive people and even frame innocent ones.
AI is changing the job landscape by taking over tasks that were once done by humans. While this can lead to efficiency and better decision-making, it’s also causing job losses. For instance, in May 2023, 3,900 jobs in the United States were lost to AI. This job threat affects many industries, and no job is safe. While some believe AI will create new jobs, the real question is whether the current workforce has the skills for these new roles. It might require learning new skills to stay relevant.
Now, let’s talk about robots. They are getting smarter, thanks to AI, and this raises concerns. While having super intelligent robot companions might sound convenient, it’s also a bit frightening. The worry is, can they become too intelligent? Is it possible that one day, these brilliant robots could assert dominance? AI’s growing influence raises concerns about our control over its impact on our lives. Notably, human rights advocate Volker Türk has voiced his apprehensions about the swift expansion of AI and its potential consequences for our fundamental rights.
There are efforts to regulate AI, recognizing the threats it poses. The European Union is working on the AI Act, which will classify and regulate different AI systems based on their risks. These moves towards regulation show that prominent human rights organizations are concerned about the issues we’ve discussed. It serves as a crucial reminder for us to stay aware of how AI can affect our lives and rights.
