Microsoft’s Chief Economist, Glen Weyl, recently issued a dire warning about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, stating that it has the potential to cause “real damage” if not properly regulated and managed.
In a recent interview with The Verge, Weyl argued that while AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of society and provide significant benefits, it also poses a significant threat if left unchecked. He warned that the rapid pace of AI development and deployment could lead to unintended consequences, including job losses, increased inequality, and even the potential for AI to be used to harm people.
Weyl noted that there are already many examples of AI being used to perpetuate harm, such as facial recognition technology being used to unfairly target certain groups of people, or automated decision-making systems perpetuating bias and discrimination.
Weyl’s comments come amid growing concerns about the potential impact of AI on society, with many experts warning that the technology could exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. There are also concerns about the potential for AI to be used to perpetrate crimes or cause harm, with some experts warning that the technology could even be used to start a war.
To address these concerns, Weyl called for increased regulation and oversight of AI development and deployment, including the establishment of international standards and guidelines for the responsible use of AI. He also called on the technology industry to take responsibility for the potential harms caused by AI and to work towards developing more ethical and responsible AI systems.
Weyl’s warnings are not without precedent. In recent years, there have been numerous examples of AI being used in ways that are harmful or unethical, from Facebook’s use of algorithms to spread disinformation to Amazon’s AI recruiting tool being found to be biased against women. These examples highlight the need for greater regulation and oversight of AI, as well as the importance of developing ethical and responsible AI systems.
Overall, Weyl’s comments serve as a reminder that while AI has enormous potential to transform society for the better, it also poses significant risks if left unchecked. As the development and deployment of AI continue to accelerate, it is important for policymakers, industry leaders, and society as a whole to work together to ensure that the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
