AI: A Convenient Truth

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of AI and digital technologies in films to overcome issues such as the untimely death of cast members. Thanks to the technology available, the deceased’s face can be mapped onto that of a different actor almost seamlessly. It’s a clever solution to an unfortunate problem. It also shows how using AI can have interesting and complex ethical implications regarding issues like consent.

But let’s take that very same technology and show how it can be used for more nefarious means. In recent years scammers have become even more sophisticated and difficult to detect thanks to this ‘deepfake’ technology. Let’s say a grandparent receives a facetime from someone they believe is, and looks just like, their granddaughter. The facetime connection isn’t the best, but to those who are a little less tech-savvy, everything seems normal.

The grandchild insists they are in a dire situation which means they need their grandparent to send over some money as soon as possible. Of course, like any good family member would, the grandparent obliges and sends the money over right away.

Except that wasn’t their granddaughter at all, just a scammer using AI to map moving images of the granddaughter onto their own face. Using a machine to mimic different emotions and expressions. Yes, this technology really exists and yes, the implications of it being put to use by the wrong people can be devastating.

Good intentions = good results

It is down to the individuals using the technology to decide whether it will be used for the betterment of society or to harm their fellow man. That’s why it is up to us to make sure we get things right with AI. Machines learn from humans, so we need to make sure we have our best and brightest on the case. We also need individuals with a strong sense of ethics and morality.

Simply put, you get out what you put in. If they are put to use for unethical means, then we risk teaching machines to take on the worst aspects of humanity. Machine learning means that a computer programme can actually be bad. It can go beyond simple binary yes or no, but only as a result of learning bad things.

Resisting due to fear of being replaced is not the way forward. This risks driving the use of machine learning into the darker corners of society, which will only lead to widespread negative impacts as AI is put to use by bad actors. Rather, we need to accept the overall positive impact that this could have. We have to understand not only our role, but our responsibility to take advantage of the opportunity to get the best out of the technology.

Rather than replacing individuals, AI can remove some of the monotony from many jobs. It can automate processes that can often take up a lot of time. This can free up workers for more engaging and fulfilling work. It will give people more time for putting to use their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence that machines still lack.

The responsibility lies with all of us

We’ve already discussed the risk that AI can be put to use in the world of cybercrime. But if we act now and harness the power of this technology responsibly and securely, it can be an incredibly powerful tool to combat cyber threats.

The responsibility for this spreads far and wide. From governments implementing legislation that encourages best practices, to businesses incorporating AI into their cyber security strategies. From AI developers designing robust systems that are resilient against potential misuse, to individuals taking the time to educate themselves on the kind of scams being perpetrated using this new technology.

As AI evolves rapidly, we must evolve with it. Along with significant opportunities, come significant threats. If we as individuals, if businesses, if governments are at a standstill while the technology continues to advance, then the results could be catastrophic. We must keep up with the pace and stay ahead of the curve to avoid being overrun by the potential negative impacts of the power of AI being harnessed by those who intend to use it for all the wrong reasons.

To finish on a Darwinian note, ‘survival of the fittest’ may not be the most apt way to put it when we are talking about AI. In this case, it’s survival for those who adapt. It’s survival for those who see that there is far more opportunity than risk attached to the use of machine learning. It’s possible to grant infinitely more choice to individuals on how they spend their time. First we must be willing to put the time in and make sure AI is implemented in the best ways possible.

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