The debate surrounding artificial intelligence rages on. Recently, the CEO of Digital Science & Research Limited, Dr Daniel Hook, claimed that modern workers must embrace AI to thrive. His comments seemed to assuage worries that AI (artificial intelligence) could threaten jobs; now, however, the man considered to be its ‘godfather’ has taken drastic actions to speak out on the dangers of artificial intelligence.

In a statement to the New York Times, Geoffrey Hinton has announced that he is resigning from his high-ranking role at Google, stating that he regrets his work with the burgeoning technology. In the past, it seems like we have all been on the receiving end of a chafing chatbot we know isn’t human, ping-ponging us to different sectors of a site with no real clue what we’re after. Well, Hinton says the dangers of AI chatbots are, “quite scary”.

“Right now, AI chatbots are not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be.”
– Dr Geoffrey Hinton

Look to the future: the dangers of artificial intelligence

Dr Hinton was awarded the 2018 Turing Award, alongside his colleagues Yoshua Bengio and Yann LeCun, for their work on deep learning, and it’s no understatement to say that his pioneering work on neural networks charted the progression of AI systems now prevalent such as Google’s own Bard technology, and ChatGPT. Neural networks, we already know about in terms of human physiology, and in tech terms, they work in a similar fashion, enabling artificial intelligence systems to learn from experience. That’s an important distinction from how traditional computers operate.

The British government is keen to promote investment in AI in the UK – it thinks the burgeoning tech will eventually drive productivity across the economy. That’s a long-term plan, but what about right now?

We might angle towards a tech utopia, but Dr Hinton warns of “bad actors” in the tech space, who might use its functionality for “bad things” too. “Given the rate of progress,” he shares, “we expect things to get better quite fast. We need to worry about that.”

Right now, protocols are put in place to rein in artificial intelligence, but that could easily change; ChatGPT currently constricts its accessible data to September 2021, a clear line in the sand for users. It’s not supposed to solve today’s problems, but it can help generate answers to broader themes and topics. We have always pooled information to overcome our species’ greatest obstacles, but until now, it’s never been instantaneous.

A million mighty minds

The totality of mankind’s achievements is measured in an instant – this instant. Countless advancements is philosophy and science have been incremental, and have taken centuries, if not millennia, to solve. Hinton warns that multitudes of AI models share the same information, and this is where the dangers of artificial intelligence lie.

it’s as if you had 10,000 people and whenever one person learnt something, everybody automatically knew it. And that’s how these chatbots can know so much more than any one person.”

The exponential rate at which AI is developing has the potential to change everything going forwards. It may not be a Skynet future we’re barrelling towards, but Hinton and other leaders in the tech sector are conscious that we need to take a step back… to move forwards in a way that doesn’t threaten our way of life.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html | Additional information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-65452940

Which side of the fence do you fall on? Is real life replicating the scariest sci-fi? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to read what Dr Daniel Hook thinks of the oncoming AI revolution? Click: CEO: Modern Workers Must Embrace AI to Thrive

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Remember Issac Asimov’s three laws of robotics…? We’re witnessing AI (artificial intelligence)’s meteoric rise to prominence in real-time. Users of the technology have marvelled at its capabilities and potential, whilst many have justifiably been sceptical about the future of work when AI is integrated into every digital service available. As far as core members of the European Parliament are concerned, new AI regulations are needed.

Could it threaten our livelihoods?

In the past week, a committee of lawmakers in the European Parliament came together to approve the EU’s AI Act, a focus that takes a risk-based approach regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence, and how it threatens not just our digital experiences, but our entire lives.

The need for new AI regulations

The threat of autonomous technology has been a sci-fi staple for well over a century and the history of artificial intelligence has been well-documented. This first move, however, doesn’t seek to sidestep mankind’s imminent dystopian destruction; rather, the AI Act proposes an outline for developers of so-called foundational models.

It contains provisions to ensure ChatGPT, Google Bard and their digital kin don’t violate copyright law.

As reported by CNBC, a key committee of lawmakers has approved a first-of-its-kind regulation, making it closer to becoming law.

Currently, artificial intelligence and its integration is blooming at a rate faster than authorities can grasp; China has already devised a set of rules intended to cordon how companies develop generative AI. This set of new AI regulations takes a simple, risk-based approach, split between four levels: unacceptable risk, high risk, limited risk and minimal or no risk.

A number of key areas they wish to address include artificial intelligence systems using subliminal, manipulative or deceptive techniques to distort behaviour. Furthermore, key focuses include AI systems exploiting known vulnerabilities of individuals or specific groups and leveraging such information.

Biometric categorisation based on potentially sensitive attributes/characteristics and methods of social scoring (or evaluating trustworthiness) is covered in the AI Act, as is utilising artificial intelligence to predict criminal or administrative offences, and inferring human motions in law enforcement, border management, the workplace and education.

Keeping tech in check

Perhaps inevitably, these clauses confront controversies and pressing social topics already prevalent in our own society, condoning the use of artificial intelligence to emulate issues present in our society. If restrictions on artificial intelligence are passed, developers of foundation models will have to adhere to safety checks, data governance measures and risk mitigations before their new models are able to go public.

As the race for digital supremacy gets smarter, it’s inevitable that governing bodies will make strides to protect the citizens they serve, and it’s not just lip service. Some top tech collectives, such as the Computer and Communications Industry Association have pushed back, stating that the catch-all nature of the AI Act is too broad, and threatens instances of artificial intelligence we use every day – many of which pose no threat.

One thing’s for sure though: artificial intelligence is here to stay, and it’s clear that these foundational models aren’t the only ones learning and adapting. It’s game on for authorities around the world, who will have to continuously strive to keep up with lightning-fast AI advancements, in real-time.

Source: Europe takes aim at ChatGPT with what might soon be the West’s first A.I. law.

Worried about how AI might affect your industry? Have the European parliament missed any big problems off their list? Keep the conversation going in the comments.

Want more on how AI is changing the game? Click here to find out how it’s changing the way medical staff work: OpenAI Changes Healthcare For The Better.

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An AI assistant for doctors – is it just the tonic?

ChatGPT seems to be changing the world of work in real-time – modern workers are finding new ways to engage with their sectors across every industry. Yet whilst the AI software’s seemingly limitless capabilities promise to streamline everyday tasks with automated, wholly digital solutions to strategic thinking, Tonic App has now launched an assistant, Dr Tonic, that promises to streamline the practices of physicians, too. They’ve made an AI assistant for doctors, and it’s changing the way they work.

It’s a technology that saves time, but is it a technology that can save lives?

The stress of going to the doctors is universal, and not only does Tonic App’s advancement promise to support GPs and physicians with medical, administrative and personal tasks – it’s likely to have a direct effect on the patient’s experience.

Tech to save time; tech to save lives

As per Presswire‘s feature, Dr Tonic supports medical doctors go about their day-to-day tasks; it’s powered by ChatGPT ADI, the LLM (large language model) that’s trained by OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT.

Built into the Tonic App, it’s designed to make it easier for doctors to retrieve information, summarise medical records and key findings and intuitively write templates for patient referrals. Not only that, it will translate even the most confusing of health jargon for patients, and work as a personal assistant in the more traditional sense – it’s even got HR capabilities built in.

“We are excited to launch Dr Tonic because we believe this is the start of a new era for healthcare. AI finally enters the day-to-day operations of healthcare professionals, after years of promise”, says Daniela Seixas, the CEO of Tonic App, and a medical doctor herself.

“It is estimated that up to 40% of doctors’ time is desk work, particularly in primary care. We can now help medical doctors save real time, reduce stress, and focus on what matters the most: patients. AI is also set to help compensate the shortfall of healthcare workers in Europe.” – Dr Sexias

Already used by 119,000 physicians, the cheerful virtual assistant totalled an average of 414 words after its first 24 hours of availability. So far, the recorded top use cases have been medical knowledge retrieval, questions regarding medical studies, ‘utilitarian questions’, inquiries about the app itself and finally, queries about the reliability of the service.

So, why not just use ChatGPT…?

Despite the prevalence of ChatGPT, and the fact it was trained with a significant body of medical knowledge, it’s not yet ready for primetime when it comes to diagnosis and decision-making. Tonic App has amassed clinical content and previously acquired data to fuel the Dr Tonic; given that it has been created by doctors and medical workers (and attains to the highest standards of care), it can safely be used for clinical decision making. What’s more, further use by GPs and doctors will make it even more viable as a service!

Of course, the ethics of artificial intelligence making decisions is still being ironed out; in terms of data privacy and third party personal data, Dr Tonic falls short. Simply, it’s not allowed to know which patient its treating, and GDPR compliance must, thankfully be adhered to. That said, we do stand on a precipice – in the future, it’s likely this will all seem like second nature.

You might not be meeting a robot doctor any time, but expect an altogether streamlined experience thanks to the newest doc on the block, Dr Tonic.

—

Find. out more about Dr Tonic at www.tonicapp.io. Whilst it’s not currently in use in the UK, medical workers across France, Italy, Spain and Portugal have already taken the plunge.

Source: First ChatGPT for doctors in Europe.

Want to read more on how AI is changing the face of healthcare technology? Click here! OpenAI Changes Healthcare For The Better.

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Want Microsoft’s suite of tools to work for you?

The company’s burgeoning CoPilot AI technology is making waves in the world of software development, and it’s expecting you, the end user, to reap the benefits in the long run. Recently, it integrated CoPilot across its 365 cloud service and called upon household names such as Goodyear and General Motors to provide feedback on the digital tools. Over on their official blog, Microsoft welcomed hundreds more companies to the fold to trial a private, paid trial of CoPilot.  So, what is CoPilot? You’ve come to the right place to find out.

Remember Microsoft Word’s ever-ready paperclip?

Imagine its friendly prompts, but supercharged. Could your company be one of the next wave to benefit from this wholly modern tech?

As reported by The Register, CoPilot AI is built on OpenAI’s current Codex model and aims to make coding faster and more efficient by providing developers with AI-generated suggestions – this development promises to further revolutionise the world of coding, and empower digital workers of all levels to exceed. Let’s delve into the features of Microsoft’s CoPilot AI and discuss how it can enhance software development processes.

A Game-Changer for Developers

CoPilot AI is designed to provide developers with real-time, context-aware suggestions while they code. By analyzing the codebase and understanding the developer’s intent, CoPilot can offer helpful recommendations, making the coding process more efficient and less prone to human error; it doesn’t threaten human ingenuity when it comes to coding… it promises to empower it. The artificial intelligence (AI) system can generate code snippets, suggest corrections, and even offer alternative approaches to solving problems. 

• Time-saving: With its smart suggestions, CoPilot AI can help developers save time by eliminating the need for manual research or browsing through documentation.
• Improved code quality: CoPilot AI can detect potential errors and suggest corrections, leading to higher quality and more reliable code.

• Enhanced productivity: By assisting with mundane and repetitive tasks, CoPilot AI enables developers to focus on more critical aspects of their projects, ultimately boosting productivity.
• Accelerated learning: CoPilot AI can be an invaluable resource for new developers, as it can help them learn best practices and improve their coding skills.

Navigating CoPilot’s potential for turbulence

While Microsoft’s CoPilot AI offers numerous benefits, it’s equally worthwhile to consider its most pertinent ethical implications and limitations. For one, CoPilot may sometimes generate incorrect or insecure code – and the developer could be none the wiser. As with all AI developments, developers must be cautious when working, and thoroughly review the AI-generated suggestions before implementing them in their final projects.

What’s more, there are concerns about the potential misuse of AI-generated anything for malicious purposes. To mitigate such risks, both Microsoft and OpenAI must continue to invest in the development of the technology and establish clear guidelines for ethical use. The story of AI is just beginning, and thankfully, CoPilot has the potential to make coding more efficient, less error-prone, and accessible to a wider range of developers – even those who are just starting out.

While the AI system has its limitations and ethical concerns, its benefits can significantly enhance the software development process. As CoPilot AI continues to evolve, so will the coding experience for developers and everyday computer users worldwide.

The big question is, where does CoPilot go from here?

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/10/microsoft_copilot_ai/?td=rt-3a

Do you think CoPilot could transform the way you work? Let us know what you think below!

For more on how AI is influencing the way we work, read a top tech CEO’s thoughts here: CEO: Modern Workers Must Embrace AI to Thrive.

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Modern workers need not fear the advancement of AI, the CEO of Digital Science & Research Limited has shared. Dr Daniel Hook seems to be alleviating many pressing – and some valid – concerns workers may have about the threat AI poses to their roles and their livelihood. In short, while there will be some teething issues, Hook has good news for people worrying if artificial intelligence will leave their talents underutilised.

Dr Hook shares that AI is forming a core tenet of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and that the workforce has much to gain by embracing new opportunities presented by ChatGPT and its kin, even if it initially poses a threat to our more traditional modes of work.

It’s undoubtedly reshaping today’s technological landscape; like all new technologies, Hook is aware there will be a period in which people push back against it. Just as in the art world, we’ve become conditioned, ironically, to the shock of the new. However, what Ai does promise is to alleviate common crises across sectors – more so, as systems continue to improve and integrate into our daily lives (and they will), there will be an ever-increasing demand for professionals who can harness and control these tools.

Think about every technology you use today – somebody, somewhere had to master it for it to grow and flourish.

Will AI kill the arts? No.

Hook’s recent think piece on the topic at Digital Science’s TL:DR blog highlights the importance of mastering the “AI dark arts” to excel in the job market of the future. Unfortunately for naysayers, artificial intelligence isn’t going anywhere. The term refers to the skills and knowledge required to develop, manage and optimise AI systems; this experience is not only essential for developers and engineers but also for individuals in various sectors, as AI continues to transform industries across the board.

Just as video didn’t actually kill the radio, AI promises to not eradicate workloads, but transform them! Many creatives are nervous about the current battlegrounds of copyright regarding the art we produce; as the dust settles on artificial intelligence’s emergence, Hook is confident that the focus will swing back in our focus. The good news for us, it seems, exists in the five key themes Hook outlines in his piece, titled Tinker. Researcher. Prompter. Wizard. Vitally:

• Global Challenges
• Research Integrity
• The Future of Research
• Open Research
• Community Engagement

“We are living in a world where what AIs can achieve seems magical to us, one in which we are only limited by our own imaginations. The consequences are wondrous and terrifying in equal measure,” he says. “This strange new world is one in which words have a new power that they didn’t have just a few months ago.” The five areas that Hook highlights are specifically where AI can flex its muscles – brain power, through sheer force of will.

Will AI kill collaboration?

“One, perhaps scary, notion is that an AI may herald the return of the days of the lone researcher,” he says. “I have written before that it is a conceit to believe that you can be the best writer, idea generator, experimentalist, data analyst and interpreter of data for your research. But, with Large Language Models (LLMs), you may only need to be capable of just a few of these in order to work once again alone.”

Consider the greatest feats of humanity, and you’ll realise that collaboration lies at the heart of our monuments, brilliant inventions and infrastructure. The increased implementation of artificial intelligence will likely see the great thinkers of the world team up with their tech, rather than each other… but this doesn’t signify the end of the world.

Far from it. One thing’s for certain, change is inevitable, and it’s happening right now. Scared that artificial intelligence could steal your job? You needn’t be – with the right know-how, it promises to supercharge it.

Source: https://www.digital-science.com/tldr/article/tinker-researcher-prompter-wizard/

Want more on AI? Click here to find out how Microsoft is utilising their Azure tech to transform the healthcare system: OpenAI Changes Healthcare For The Better.

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A brief history lesson shows the accuracy of this phrase. The first firearms are believed to have originated in the 12th century. Eventually muskets were invented, followed by repeating firearms. In the early 20th century, infantrymen began carrying small (relatively speaking) automatic weapons. The invention of firearms changed the way war was fought. Then in 1945, the United States forever changed the world by dropping atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, effectively bringing an end to the Second Great War. Is there always a bigger fish? What can top a nuclear bomb? Perhaps the answer will be weaponized artificial intelligence (AI).

U.S., China, and Russia at the Forefront

What exactly is weaponized AI? In short, weaponized AI allows a military to conduct war related tasks–such as drone strikes, air strikes, and intelligence gatherings–without any human involvement. The U.S. currently has the capability to conduct these tasks remotely, i.e. a human user can control drones much like one would control an R.C. car. Weaponized AI takes things one step farther–no humans are needed. Progress is being made, as reports indicate, that the U.S., Russia, and China, are “develop[ing] weapons systems for the land, sea and air that can talk to each other and select targets autonomously, making decisions now dictated by humans.” The U.S. Navy can deploy a Tomahawk Block IV missile “capable of loitering over a target area in order to respond to emerging targets or, with its on-board camera, provide battle damage information to warfighting commanders.” Given the advances in military technology like the example above, it’s no wonder some have argued that there is already an AI arms race between the U.S., Russia, and China.

Opposition to Weaponized AI

Given the threat that these military advances pose to the world, many have spoken out against militarizing the tech and AI industries. One organization, The Future of Life Institute, has argued, “AI has great potential to benefit humanity in many ways, and that the goal of the field should be to do so. Starting a military AI arms race is a bad idea, and should be prevented by a ban on offensive autonomous weapons beyond meaningful human control.” They point to the dehumanization of war that AI weapons can facilitate–all of sudden, killing another person can be done without hesitation or forethought because there’s no longer another human on the other side of the gun (or control station).

On the other hand, some cite the effectiveness of using powerful weapons to cause otherwise unwilling parties to surrender. Case in point, the decision to use nuclear bombs against Japan. Weaponized AI systems, while very dangerous if placed in the wrong hands, could bring decisive and swift resolution to situations while also costing less human lives. The dehumanizing element need not be a bad thing–if someone is hell bent on the destruction of someone or something else, they will not stop until their goal is reached. The only choice is to eliminate the threat. Why eliminate the threat at the risk of more human lives when AI weapons can do the job just fine? To be sure, the waters are muddy and the answer isn’t cut and dry, like most things in life. However, weaponizing AI may not be such a horrible idea after all. Time will tell, and hindsight is always 20-20. Soon enough we’ll learn if weapons of AI are the next big fish.

Read more AI news here.

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Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy

The concept of the innovation economy was introduced in 1942 by Joseph Schumpeter with the advent of Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy. Schumpeter argued that entrepreneurs and technological advancements are the lifeblood of economic growth and expansion. Though it took a while to catch on, Schumpeter’s ideas have been growing rapidly in popularity in recent years. This growth, in both the innovation and the global economies, can be attributed in large part to the growth in artificial intelligence technologies. From data science to machine learning to advances in robotics, AI has taken its place as one of the leaders in technological progression.

Hillary Mason, the Founder of Fast Forward Labs, a machine intelligence research company, argued in an interview that AI is “close” to the heart of our new innovation economy. She cites the growing trends in the industry, including the progress made in machine learning and big data. Mason notes that these developments are “legitimately exciting,” as AI continues to shed its former stereotype of impractical, research-only technology. Rather than being a temporary fad that passes in the night, Mason genuinely believes that the progress is permanent–and worthwhile.

The Elephant in the Room

Not all AI entrepreneurs share the same sentiment as Mason. Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk has recently been very critical of AI, saying in a tweet, “If you’re not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea.” His tweet was also accompanied by a photo of a poster with the ominous words, “In the end, the machines will win.” Though Musk’s views aren’t echoed by everyone in the industry–Mason, for example, argues that machines won’t overtake humans because they cannot be rational–they do reflect a very common hesitation towards AI. In the back of everyone’s mind is the warning that every AI sci-fi movie has given–machines will outpace humans and eventually assume control of the planet. Yes, it seems far fetched and outlandish, but according to the brightest minds, it is entirely plausible.

For the time being, however, the advances of the industry ought to be praised. These technological accomplishments really are the way of the future. And as advances continue and progress takes place, global economies have much to look forward to. In many ways, it appears as if society as a whole is beginning to see that AI really is the meat to the sandwich–the heart of the innovation economy.

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