Renowned computer scientist and Microsoft President, Brad Smith, has called on the United States government to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid potential risks. Smith made the call while speaking at a panel discussion on May 25 in Washington D.C. in front of US lawmakers. The proposed regulations could help mitigate the potential risks of AI, according to a report from the New York Times.
Smith believes that AI is a powerful tool that can be used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, but it also poses significant risks. He cited examples of facial recognition technology being used to identify and track individuals, which could potentially lead to privacy violations and discrimination. Smith also warned of the potential for AI to be used for cyberattacks and the spread of fake news.
While acknowledging the benefits of AI, Smith emphasized the need for governments to regulate its development and use. The proposed regulations would ensure that AI is developed and used ethically and responsibly. Smith also called on the tech industry to take responsibility for the development of AI and to work with government and civil society to ensure that it is used for the greater good.
Smith’s call for regulation of AI is not new. In 2018, he called for a “Hippocratic Oath” for AI developers, similar to the one taken by doctors, to ensure that AI is developed ethically. He also called for the establishment of an international organization to oversee the development and use of AI.
Smith’s call for regulation of AI comes at a time when the technology is rapidly advancing and being used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. There are concerns that AI could replace human workers, leading to job losses and widening income inequality. There are also concerns about the potential for AI to be used for military purposes, leading to the development of autonomous weapons.
The US government has taken some steps towards regulating AI. In February 2019, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize AI research and development. However, there are no federal laws governing the development and use of AI. Some states, including California, have passed laws regulating the use of facial recognition technology.
Smith’s call for regulation of AI has been welcomed by some in the tech industry. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a vocal critic of AI and has called for its regulation. In a tweet, Musk said, “I agree with Brad Smith that AI safety should be regulated. This is especially true for self-driving cars.” However, others in the tech industry have warned against over-regulation, arguing that it could stifle innovation.
In conclusion, Brad Smith’s call for regulation of AI is a timely reminder of the potential risks of the technology. While AI has the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, it also poses significant risks. Governments and the tech industry must work together to ensure that AI is developed and used ethically and responsibly. The proposed regulations could help ensure that AI is used for the greater good and not to the detriment of society.
