Source: Android Central
What you need to know
- Google's Sundar Pichai has warned companies to be more clear-eyed when developing AI, keeping an eye out for the negative social side-effects.
- Pichai calls for government regulation, noting that no single industry or corporation can tackle this issue on his own.
- Google has also established its own AI principles when developing capabilities.
Google's Sundar Pichai today called for AI regulation in an editorial published to the Financial Times. While he noted the virtues of AI, including Google's recent foray into the weather prediction in India, he also raised points about the historical misuse of technology in general.
For AI, that potential misuse isn't potential anymore. The rise of deepfakes has sparked concerns on online platforms. Powerful AI has made it so that privacy can be eliminated with a single photo pulling up details of a person and their social circles.
Pichai argues that when building AI going forward, we should be "clear-eyed" about what could go wrong. Government regulation is key in this, as he stated that the "market forces" should not be the deciding factor in AI applications, having failed so far. "Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms, especially in high-risk areas, with social opportunities," Pichai said.
Pending the establishment of government regulation, Google already created its own ethical principles back in 2018 and made these tools widely available for interested parties.
Malevolent AI has been a longstanding sci-fi trope. Superman battles Brainiac, the Avengers have their Age of Ultron, and who can forget the Terminators. Despite their sci-fi trappings, they illustrate a fear that people have had since the idea of AI first occurred. AI, when misapplied, can be malevolent. But the fear has proven misplaced. Rather than computer viruses gone rogue or sentient or whatever, it's humans misusing the increasingly powerful tools we've created for "mass surveillance, deception, and fraud. Regulation, sensibly applied, is the only hero that can slay that villain.
Google's AI is better at detecting cancer than doctors, says study
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Google Whitechapel GS101 custom chipset: Everything you need to know
Google is set to roll out its first custom chipset for the upcoming Pixel 6. Here's what you need to know about the GS101, and why you should be excited for the Pixel 6.
EPOS H3 headset review: Not quite next-gen
The EPOS H3 is a fine headset, but it doesn't live up to the "next-gen" marketing. If you're in the market it could suit you well, but you don't need to go out of your way to buy it.
Review: Outriders on PS5 is a fun game saddled with a forgettable story
Outriders' gameplay is enjoyable and fast-paced, but it insists on tacking on a boring story, dull voice-acting, and a number of design flaws. It's a good looter shooter, but maybe not a great game in general.
Protect your Galaxy A51 in glitter and glam with the best cases
It's tough when you end up scratching or dropping your new phone, especially when you have a phone as great as the Galaxy A51. These are the best cases that you can get to help assist against any potential damage.