The article argues that AI digital assistants will need to truly know individuals in order to be useful. However, it questions the trustworthiness of current generative AI tools, as users have no knowledge of how these AIs are configured or what instructions they follow. It also raises concerns about the potential monetization of these AIs, which could involve surveillance and manipulation. The article gives examples of how paid influences in search results and newsfeeds can become more surreptitious over time, further highlighting the need for trust in AI systems.
The authors believe that tech companies and AIs can become more trustworthy, and they mention the European Union’s proposed AI Act as a step in the right direction. However, they note that most existing AIs fail to comply with these emerging regulations. The article calls for robust consumer protections for AI products and emphasizes the importance of approaching AI recommendations with skepticism. It concludes that until government regulations are in place, individuals will need to guess at the potential risks and biases of AI and mitigate their worst effects.
In summary, the article emphasizes the need for trustworthy AI and encourages individuals to approach AI skeptically. It raises concerns about surveillance capitalism and manipulation, and calls for government regulations and consumer protections in the AI industry.
Key Points:
1. AI systems require trust, but their biases and potential for manipulation raise concerns.
2. AI digital assistants have the potential to become personalized and interactive, but users must trust them implicitly.
3. Current generative AI tools lack transparency and are configured by tech monopolies, raising doubts about their trustworthiness.
4. Paid influences in AI recommendations can become more surreptitious over time.
5. Government regulations and consumer protections are necessary to ensure trustworthy AI.