The ethical dilemma we face on AI and autonomous tech | Christine Fox | TEDxMidAtlantic

Summary

The video discusses the evolving relationship between technology and policy, emphasizing how rapid advancements in technology are outpacing government regulation. It explores military technology, autonomous systems, the Internet, and the Internet of Things, highlighting both the benefits and unforeseen risks. The speaker raises concerns about vulnerabilities, especially in cybersecurity and autonomous machines, urging a shift in responsibility to companies and consumers. They advocate for proactive measures like corporate social responsibility and 'red teaming' to address potential risks before technologies are released to the public, stressing that we all share the responsibility in shaping our technological future.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Advanced technology, particularly in robotics, can elicit mixed reactions, from excitement to concern about its potential risks.
• ⚔️ The military must comply with the laws of armed conflict, focusing on targeting combatants while protecting civilians, and it strives to improve with the help of technology.
• 🛠️ Precision weapons and drones are remotely piloted and not autonomous, contrary to public perception, and DoD policy mandates human oversight for any lethal actions.
• 🚫 Current policy prohibits fully autonomous lethal weapons, as they cannot yet reliably differentiate between combatants and civilians.
• 📉 The private sector is leading in advanced technology development, surpassing government agencies in research and development spending, creating a regulatory gap.
• 🌐 The internet, while transformative and beneficial, has also introduced vulnerabilities like cyber warfare, hacking, and threats to personal data and national security.
• 📱 The Internet of Things (IoT) brings convenience but also risks, as devices like household robots may not be secure against cyber threats, with little regulation on safety standards.
• 🚗 Autonomous vehicles are already in operation, but they too raise ethical and safety concerns, such as decision-making in dangerous situations and potential hackability.
• 🏢 Companies must embrace a form of corporate social responsibility, ensuring their technologies are secure by applying tactics like red teaming to anticipate risks.
• 🧠 Consumers need to become more informed and proactive, demanding safer, more secure technology as part of their buying decisions, shifting some responsibility onto the public.

Q & A

What are the three phases of reactions people typically have when watching the video mentioned at the beginning?

The three phases are: 1) Initial amazement and admiration for the technology, 2) Discomfort when the robots are kicked, and 3) Growing unease, feeling that the robots are 'creepy' and questioning whether such technology should be developed.

Who currently decides on the use of military technology, particularly in relation to the laws of armed conflict?

The government and defense department leadership make decisions regarding military technology, guided by policies ensuring compliance with the laws of armed conflict, which require the military to target combatants and protect civilians.

Why is the use of lethal autonomous systems not currently allowed on the battlefield?

Lethal autonomous systems are not allowed because current technology cannot reliably discriminate between combatants and civilians, which would violate the laws of armed conflict.

What is one reason the speaker believes the policy on autonomous systems is appropriate for now?

The speaker argues that if current technology cannot correctly interpret simple text (e.g., spell check errors), it cannot be trusted to distinguish between combatants and civilians in complex warfare environments.

What concerns does the speaker raise about the rapid development of technology in the commercial world?

The speaker is concerned that commercial technology is advancing so quickly that policymakers have fallen behind and may not be able to catch up, creating risks for society due to the lack of regulation and oversight.

How has the role of the internet evolved from its original conception?

The internet, initially developed by DARPA for communication and information access, has evolved into a space that includes cyber warfare and vulnerabilities like hacking, which were unanticipated at its inception.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate the unforeseen vulnerabilities introduced by the internet?

The speaker references several examples, including the 2014 Sony hack linked to North Korea, the theft of personal data from the Office of Personnel Management, and the hacking of the U.S. political process.

What is the 'Internet of Things' and what are its potential risks?

The 'Internet of Things' refers to interconnected devices like smart homes and autonomous systems, which aim to improve daily life but also present risks such as inadequate cybersecurity and vulnerability to hacking.

Why does the speaker believe that corporate social responsibility is necessary in the context of emerging technology?

The speaker argues that since policymakers may not keep up with rapid technological advancements, companies should take responsibility by adopting measures like red-teaming to identify and mitigate potential risks before releasing new products.

What role do consumers play in shaping the future of technology, according to the speaker?

Consumers need to be educated and ask hard questions about the security and safety of technology before purchasing, as their choices influence companies to prioritize protection and ethical practices.