Regulators believe that the moment a new technology comes around they need to flex their regulatory muscle to wrestle it under control. In most instances they would be far better off waiting till they fully understand all the dimensions of the problem before acting. The new CERT-In advisory on generative AI is a case in point.
Recent discussions on AI regulation often focus on privacy concerns, especially in relation to the GDPR. Large Language Models (LLMs) can conflict with GDPR principles like consent, data minimization, and retention. Conversational AI’s potential to store personal data raises further concerns. However, instead of constraining AI within outdated laws, regulatory frameworks should evolve to accommodate and enable new technologies, balancing innovation with privacy.
While AI will transform society and make certain jobs obsolete, it will also create new opportunities. Different countries have proposed varied regulatory approaches, from the US’s hands-off stance to the EU’s detailed guidelines. The UK’s agile, principle-based approach, which adapts based on experience and avoids rigid legislation, is recommended for India to harness AI’s potential without stifling innovation.
Recent advancements in AI, including upgrades in large language models and image generation, have showcased immense potential. However, odd behaviors in these systems, like Bing’s alter ego “Sydney” and eerie image generations in Stable Diffusion, raise concerns about machine super-intelligence. Nick Bostrom’s warnings about unregulated AI development emphasize the need for industry guardrails to ensure safe AI evolution and prevent uncontrollable advancements.
Generative AI has had a transformative impact on text and visual arts. While the AI’s ability to mimic artistic styles raises copyright concerns, does this constitutes “copying”? How will the definition of artistic talent evolve in the AI era?
The transformative potential of OpenAI’s ChatGPT is like how Google revolutionised search. ChatGPT could disrupt the targeted advertising model that sustains most internet businesses by providing summarized information instead of directing users to specific websites. The technology’s potential to change the internet’s fundamental business model is emphasized.
Education is evolving in the age of technology and AI. While modern education is moving away from rote learning to skills like critical thinking, students should also be trained to use AI as a research tool. However, the rise of AI-generated content poses challenges in distinguishing genuine research from fabricated material, necessitating the teaching of healthy skepticism and cross-referencing skills to students.
AI is being increasingly used in journalism and law. OpenAI’s GPT-3, can produce content nearly indistinguishable from human-written work. But we need to remember that AI is a tool, not a substitute for human creativity.
There are parallels between the myth of the Tower of Babel and the modern linguistic challenge of the internet. In this India has a unique need for translation technology, given its linguistic diversity. Bhashini may be the answer.
The South African patent office has granted a patent to an artificial intelligence program for an invention it has made. India granted a copyright to an AI application along similar lines. It is not clear how an artificial intelligence can exercise the IP granted by prosecuting a breach or negotiating commercial arrangements for its license. All these actions will have to be taken by humans on behalf of the AI in which case what is the point in calling the algorithm an inventor.
