With President Joe Biden’s recent executive order on the country’s approach to artificial intelligence, numerous industry leaders have shared their thoughts and concerns about what it could mean for the industry (and the economy) as a whole. Hassan Taher, an expert in AI technology who has built his career on educating people about the benefits and opportunities the tools present, shared his views on what Biden’s approach means and how it will impact the growth of this rapidly developing technology.
Taher, who wrote The Rise of Intelligent Machines and several other books on the subject, is recognized as an AI authority, thanks in part to his consistent work in studying and researching the technology and its reach.
He shared, “I believe that AI technology has the potential to bring about significant positive change in the world, but many people are hesitant to embrace it fully. While some may disagree, I believe that with responsible use, AI can actually make the world a better place for everyone.”
Biden’s Approach to AI
On Oct. 30, Biden signed an executive order that aims to balance the technology along with consumer rights for privacy, national security guardrails, and other steps that aim to keep the population safe even as AI pushes ahead at “warp speed,” as he aptly called it. Biden stated, “To realize the promise of AI and avoid the risk, we need to govern this technology.” The order is meant to ensure that AI becomes a trusted and beneficial tool, rather than technology used to be destructive and deceptive.
Hassan Taher’s Take on Biden’s Approach
Without a doubt, Biden is accurate in his statement that AI is moving ahead quickly and has the potential to create various issues if left to develop freely by anyone. Hassan Taher agrees that it’s essential that there be some level of transparency in the development of this technology, which was created under the executive order through the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The organization will ensure tools based on AI technology are considered safe before they can be put into the hands of consumers. More so, the executive order also requires that AI-generated content be labeled as such, something the Commerce Department will oversee.
Taher noted in a blog post, “AI can perpetuate racial and social inequalities, erode privacy, and become a tool for scammers and criminals. The executive order is a response to these dual realities. It is an acknowledgment that while AI can be a force for good, it can also warp our basic notions of truth and reality, as seen in the proliferation of deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media.”
This process will undoubtedly be a delicate balancing act, one that shouldn’t limit the development and use of AI but will allow for better steering or level of control over it. The key is to encourage companies to use and develop it to improve profit margins, but to do so in a way that doesn’t put public safety at risk.
That won’t be an easy process. While the government hopes for a voluntary commitment from tech companies — alongside some level of legislation and international diplomacy — it may be hard to ensure that the balancing act remains level and fair to all involved. Critical to this is ensuring a global approach to the process, because AI is being developed worldwide.
The Risks Are Very Real
Hassan Taher, who has long championed the development of this technology, isn’t oblivious to the risks it presents. AI has plenty to offer, including saving lives through cancer research and supporting improvements to the planet. However, there are numerous risks, including an increased chance of accelerating social inequalities and breaking down critical privacies that the law protects. In addition, it can easily be used by criminals for numerous illegal acts.
It will be essential for the U.S. to maintain a leadership focus in the continued development of AI, as that could help minimize risks and ensure some level of safety. Notable to this level is the Group of Seven, a set of industrial nations that has already agreed on specific safety-related principles associated with AI, something that will be a critical tool moving forward.
How Fast Does This Need To Happen?
Some of the concerns many people have with AI is just how fast it’s being developed and how impactful it is at so many different levels. Is the work to create safeguards just as speedy? Biden’s rules aim to establish these tools within a year. Yet, as fast as the technology is developing, it will be critical for a global framework to be put in place — and soon. If laws and legal stumbling blocks occur along this route, the risk for the development of less-than-ideal technologies is high. That’s a problem the global economy doesn’t not want to overlook.
The question is: Where is that fine line in the sand where the technology development isn’t limited, but the proper safety protocols are put in place to protect the planet and its people? The key here will be finding some way to support growth and limit risk, but that’s something that needs to happen when any new technology or tool becomes available. It should be possible to achieve this.
Hassan Taher’s Expectations
Consider, for example, health care. Taher says there’s one trend he’s particularly excited about. He told IdeaMensch, “The growing use of AI in the health care industry [is one area in which I’m interested]. With the potential to revolutionize patient care and outcomes, I believe that AI has the power to make a significant impact on people’s lives.”
In the meantime, Hassan Taher is keeping a close eye on developments and how President Biden’s executive order pans out. He wrote, “The order is just the beginning. It lays the groundwork for a more comprehensive legislative and global framework that will be necessary to manage AI’s complex societal impacts fully. As AI continues to evolve, so too must our policies and ethical frameworks.
“President Biden’s executive order is a significant step toward responsible AI governance. It is a recognition of AI’s transformative power and a commitment to ensuring that this power is harnessed for the greater good. As we stand on the cusp of an AI-driven era, this executive order will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the journey toward a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.”