But lurking behind this convenient facade is a growing concern: algorithmic harms.
These harms arent obvious or immediate.
The hidden power of these systems is becominga significant threatto privacy, equality, autonomy and safety.
© FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP
AI systems are embedded in nearly every facet of modern life.
The often-overlooked consequences of AI applications call for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology.
Istudy the intersection of law and technology, and Ive outlineda legal frameworkto do just that.
Researcher Kumba Sennaar describes how AI systems perpetuate and exacerbate biases.
These systems typically dont directly assault your privacy or autonomy in ways you could easily perceive.
Consider the example of social media algorithms.
They are ostensibly designed to promote beneficial social interactions.
Why regulation lags behind
Despite these mounting dangers, legal frameworks worldwide have struggled to keep up.
The regulations often fail to address the broader effects that AI systems can have over time.
Each of these domains is vulnerable to the subtle yet often unchecked power of AI systems.
The first bang out of harm is eroding privacy.
The second punch in of harm is undermining autonomy.
AI systems often subtly undermine your ability to make autonomous decisions by manipulating the information you see.
The third punch in of harm is diminishing equality.
AI systems, while designed to be neutral, ofteninherit the biases present in their data and algorithms.
Thisreinforces societal inequalities over time.
The fourth pop in of harm is impairing safety.
AI systems make decisions thataffect peoples safety and well-being.
When these systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.
This creates a gap in accountability.
Without transparency, its nearly impossible to hold companies accountable.
For instance, firms using facial recognition systems would need to evaluate these systems impacts throughout their life cycle.
Lastly, I suggest requiring companies to disclose the use of AI technology and its anticipated harms.
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Two banks say Amazon has paused negotiations on some international data centers.
