Artificial intelligence is a weird thing: the more you learn about it, the less you know. That statement is underscored partly by the so-called black box effect, according to which nobody is really sure what algorithms do with all that data they are fed, and how they deliver any given output. Not least because of this, regulation is critical. Hence the widely shared notion of the conference: “We live under surveillance capitalism.” But the experts highlighted it would be a mistake to demonize technology.
“Nature is always losing at this point in AI, and that’s wrong. This could be, in fact, a time for illumination,” John C. Havens, founding executive director of the Global Initiative on AI Ethics said. As long as competitiveness is part of the equation, there will always be losers, he said.
“Instead, caregiving and the planet should matter the most, and only those AI systems should be developed that make sense; that is, improve something.”
Theodore S. Boone, of counsel at law firm Dentons (and a former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary), recalled a well-known parallel to put things in context.
“It’s like nuclear energy: you can’t separate the good from the bad. But at some point, the International Atomic Agency was set up, and ever since, the whole industry has been strictly regulated, and things have been going in an orderly fashion,” he noted.
Regulation takes place most of all in Europe. The relevant legislation represents a heavy administrative burden, but it’s the first legal framework in the world; therefore, it must be welcomed. A remarkable legislative tool is the new AI Liability Directive that shifts the normal burden of proof: in case damage is caused by an AI system, it will be the manufacturer’s responsibility to show the damage didn’t happen. Normally, the party that allegedly suffered damage must demonstrate that the harm occurred.
The Hungarian Government is also working on legislative measures. In fact, a very recent decision provides for an implementation framework under which an AI Board will be set up to issue recommendations and engage the competent authorities to apply AI-related questions in a uniform manner.
Prevailing in the age of AI will require an unprecedented level of adaptability that humankind is simply not used to.
“There have been paradigm shifts, but nothing on today’s scale. Humans are wired to think linearly, they are not mentally equipped to deal with the current exponentiality we are experiencing,” Imre Porkoláb, speaking on behalf of the National Security Office, noted.
Another problem lies in the fact that the technology is controlled by just a handful of providers.
“Putting humans in charge is a great idea. But now is time to think through who those humans actually are. Governments? Scientists? Developers? This could be the final kick for humanity to work together,” Porkoláb concluded.
The ultimate take-away was shared by László Drajkó, founder and managing partner of Cydrill Software Security: “AI is in a super position: it’s exciting and scary at the same time. And we are just opening the box AI is in.”
Among the most vulnerable are children who are exposed to the risks of the technology. The press even talks about “A generation of AI guinea pigs.” What is certain is that the education system can’t keep up with the pace of development.
On the pro side are personalized AI assistants that can serve entertainment purposes. On the other hand, as Maria Axente, a senior research associate at the University of Cambridge, pointed out, children’s health and well-being are at stake. The good news is that around half of them are aware that AI can “hallucinate” and will, therefore, seek to validate AI-generated information.
The role of parents can’t be emphasized enough. According to Cécile Aptel, deputy director of the UNICEF Global Office of Research and Foresight, while we must let kids experiment with ChatGPT and the like, parents must embrace the tech themselves so that they can guide their offspring in the process.
“AI should be regarded as a complementary tool, while the engagement of well-trained teachers remains crucial.”
But what about critical thinking skills? Won’t they be gradually killed off by AI? While the current interaction doesn’t serve the purpose of maintaining or developing such skill sets, the speakers expressed the hope matters will evolve along the way.
“Humans have the need for critical thinking in their DNA, and time will tell whether the new generations will have it too,” Aptell said. She also highlighted that minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities for children are equally essential, while “handling AI and its use is a human problem, not a tech problem.”
Faisal Mohammed AlShimmari, founding chairman of the UAE Child Protection Association, drew attention, in turn, to the responsibility of corporations and set a rather pessimistic tone. Family is the first line of defense, but tech gurus won’t do a thing until they have kids and realize the dangers they are exposed to, or their companies are penalized, he said.
“Corporations should be forced to do their part, if necessary, by applying criminal law to them. They won’t invest in child protection on their own because it doesn’t bring money.”
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 18, 2024.
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