AI needs you: how we can shape the future
James Boyd-Wallis
Vice chair CIPR Public Affairs Group | Public affairs | AI policy | Reputation |
Artificial intelligence is more than just a transformative technology - it will shape our future. But what is the technology for and who ensures it fulfils its potential?
In her excellent and thought-provoking new book, AI Needs You, Verity Harding , former Global Head of Policy at Google DeepMind and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in AI, argues that the future of AI should not be left only to those building it.
As AI continues to impact every aspect of our lives, Harding emphasises the need for society to help shape its development. By examining three pivotal 20th-century technological advancements, she challenges us to steer AI away from our worst fears and towards a future we can trust.
Some takeaways
1. Think beyond the obvious
Harding urges us to move past simplistic historical analogies, such as comparing AI to the atomic bomb. Instead, she draws lessons from:
?? The space race: where civilian oversight emerged over military dominance and helped ensure more peaceful applications
?? In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): how a diverse, expert-led panel and careful Parliamentary and public engagement helped shape sensible regulation that contributed to its implementation and a successful life sciences sector in the UK
?? The Internet: which has maintained openness despite significant opposition over the course of its development and impact on society.
2. Get involved in the debate?
The impact of AI is too significant to be managed by a select few.
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Harding makes a compelling case for a more inclusive conversation and governance that reflects democratically determined values, ensuring AI is peaceful, trustworthy and beneficial to society.?
Including a more diverse range of voices in the policy debate is something that we at The Appraise Network also advocate. ?
3. Embrace hope?
While much of the AI narrative today can be pessimistic, Harding’s book offers a refreshing perspective.
She acknowledges the challenges of AI but also highlights its potential to reflect our best values and serve the public good.
It is a reminder that the choices we make now will shape our future.
Overall, Harding provides a forensic analysis of the challenges and opportunities of AI and how we can - and should - influence the conversation.
It is a must read.
What do others think of the book and how can we all contribute to guiding AI towards the future we want?
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Head of Partnership Development at Zempler Bank
5 个月Thanks for the recommendation James Boyd-Wallis, will check it out!
Chief of Global Digital Marketing & D2C Sales
5 个月Princeton University Press
Founder, Formation Advisory Ltd
5 个月Thanks James so pleased you enjoyed it!
MSc in Science and Technology Policy | Impact
5 个月These are interesting takeaways. I agree that AI is a long-term race, and as such, the public voice must be stronger. As with any other technology in the past (e.g., the internet), we should avoid unfounded optimism. I also agree that we can shape AI for either good or bad. Therefore, having broader participation in the debate is crucial to address concerns like ethical issues or alignment with environmental goals.
Independent consultant | Helping organisations shape political and policy conversations through campaigns & storytelling
5 个月Thanks for your take-aways! I haven't read it yet, but it's on my reading list. These three insights definitely ring true to me. Glad to see that her argument that lessons must be drawn from multiple tech advancements – rather than a single tech use case – aligns with the findings from The Appraise Network's research. I'd add Mustafa Suleyman's contention that this process of managing AI (he calls it containment) is new, humans have never done this before. Which is why I'm partial to the idea that all stakeholders must take an active part in the debate.