At a time when the world is abuzz about the possibilities and opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) has to offer, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently sent a grave caveat regarding the need for tighter regulation.
Wozniak, fondly referred to in the industry simply as Woz, recently stated in an interview that AI is so intelligent that it could be used by malcontents to deceive people into believing they are legitimate entities.
The computing veteran was one of several tech giants, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, who signed a letter calling for a halt to the development of more powerful AI models back in March due to numerous issues regarding such technologies.
The Need for Regulatory Action
AI is, essentially, a blanket term covering a range of technologies that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence or intervention. Chatbots, for example, are programmed to understand a specific range of questions and respond to these with answers that sound like they came from a human being; these AI bots are also capable of recognizing items in pictures.
But while such technologies are useful for a growing number of industries, Wozniak is firm in his belief that human beings still need to take responsibility for what is generated by them. Indeed, he proposed that regulations be set in place to ensure that bigger tech firms are held accountable for any issues arising from their deployment of AI technologies.
However, Wozniak doubts if current regulatory bodies can get things right as some firms appear to be able to pay their way out of accountability.
AI Could Never Replace Humanity
When asked about the possibility that AI could eventually replace people in certain positions, Wozniak replied with a resounding “no.” As AI has no emotion, it is highly unlikely that it will even replace the human touch.
He added that while we cannot possibly stop the development and evolution of such technologies, people may be better prepared to deal with AI through improved education and information.
In the context of fraud detection, humans should be made aware of the tells spawned by AI-driven fraud as well as other acts like identity theft through the taking of personal information.
Wozniak’s sentiments regarding AI appeared to be echoed in a recent statement Apple’s current chief executive Tim Cook made to investors.
Cook remarked that those involved in AI development and its subsequent integration into other technologies needed to be more deliberate and thoughtful with regard to their approach to their use.
