Artificial Intelligence

We tend to think of technology as either “good” nor “bad” based on the outcomes it has. This is futile as in most instances any harms that may be caused by technology is on account of how it is used and by whom.

As artificial intelligence enters into the music industry, incumbents have already begun to resist the transformation it will inevitably bring. But change is inevitable and it is only those artists who are able to embrace it who will survive the transition.

Our instinctive reaction to new and revolutionary technology is often fear of consequences that we cannot predict. But if we can rein in our instincts and conquer our fears, maybe we can master of the technology.

We have, for most of our existence as a nation, accepted the governance frameworks that have already been implemented elsewhere in the world. With digital public infrastructure India is, perhaps for the first time, making the rules. It is time for us to stop being rule-takers and assume the role of rule-makers.

When healthcare is powered by artificial intelligence and smart devices, we must ensure that all of humanity stands to benefit. We need open, transparent and customisable algorithms in our hardware.

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 However, instead of constraining AI within outdated laws, regulatory frameworks should evolve to accommodate and enable new technologies, balancing innovation with privacy.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?