Facebook is trying to make an argument that an AI content review platform it has built is in the public good. Facebook claims that this is in the public good, but the question remains: can AI be ethical? Facebook says it is, but the problem is that AI is only as ethical as the people who write it. For example, it may not have ever heard of a word that’s considered offensive.
Issues artificial intelligence
As AI technology continues to advance, issues with ethical principles are emerging. These concerns range from privacy to discrimination and manipulation of information, and they are related to the design of machine learning and its applications. Machine learning techniques are based on artificial neural networks that are opaque, unpredictable, and require a huge dataset to train. Because of these inherent properties, no one can accurately predict how these systems will behave. As a result, they may violate the principles of privacy and human autonomy.
The European Union and other world leaders are pushing the boundaries of ethical AI. However, these countries are caught between China and the U.S. in the competition for technological supremacy. China is widely perceived to be the leader when it comes to AI development, while the U.S. and other powerful nations export digital authoritarianism.
Tools for auditing AI
One of the most important steps that employers can take to make AI systems less biased is to demand that vendors disclose sufficient information about the algorithmic systems they use. Many AI vendors are reluctant to provide this information because of proprietary concerns. Employers should obtain strong indemnity rights from these vendors before relying on their tools. They should also audit their AI systems before relying on them. This way, they can determine which applicants their algorithms have rejected.
AI auditing has become an increasingly important area of policymaking. In the EU, the draft AI Act 2022 will require companies to perform conformity assessments on their algorithms to meet EU guidelines. These will typically consist of internal governance audits of the algorithm, but they may also require external audits by notified bodies. Additionally, United States senators are proposing the Algorithmic Accountability Act 2022, which would mandate impact assessments of automated systems. And New York City recently passed a bill that requires organizations to conduct AI bias audits.
Issues with standards
Ethics are a difficult concept to define and apply to ever-evolving black-box systems. And while we may not agree on every ethical principle, it is clear that bad actors thrive in such a world. Whether AI is used for good or evil is an open question, but it is imperative that it be done in a way that respects the human rights of its users.
While AI, and its cousin machine learning (ML), is still a relatively young field, the implications of its use are murky. The commercial interests that drive AI are often more adaptable than the human and governance systems that govern it. Moreover, regulation is usually reactionary, which means bad things have to happen before the right frameworks and standards can be written.
Impact on society
The impact of AI on society is a topic of increasing concern. Some leading AI figures believe that superintelligent machines will take over the world and enslave or even eliminate humanity. This scenario is not far-fetched, but the implications are incredibly frightening. In the meantime, it is critical to understand the implications of AI and its impact on society.
The first step in ensuring that AI does not negatively impact society is to implement techno-social mechanisms. These mechanisms will help ensure that AI will benefit society and that society’s values and freedoms are protected. These institutional mechanisms must also address issues related to trust and accountability.
Wiggers is leaving
Sources have confirmed that Wiggers is leaving VentureBeat to join TechCrunch. This is a big deal because Wiggers has written extensively about the startup and technology scene. However, this departure has brought many questions about the future of VentureBeat, especially as the company continues to grow.
Earlier this month, we reported that Kyle Wiggers, a senior staff writer at VentureBeat, was leaving the company to join TechCrunch. Previously, Wiggers worked as an SEO editor at Fatherly. He has also written for Digital Trends and XDA Developers. Wiggers is a graduate of Ohio University.
BeReal, the photo-sharing app that’s become a massive hit among Gen Z, just closed a $60 million funding round. The money is part of Series B funding and values the Paris-based company at north of EUR600 million – about $587 million. It’s a surprising turn for a company that aims to be “no-frills” but is a major hit with its audience.
Wiggers leaving
Former VentureBeat senior staff writer Kyle Wiggers is leaving the company to join the venerable TechCrunch. Wiggers, who focuses on artificial intelligence, will join TechCrunch on March 28. He previously worked as the SEO editor at Fatherly and for several other tech sites. He studied at Ohio University.
Quantum Metric is one of the hottest startups in Colorado. The company has raised over $51 million in funding since the company was founded in 2012. The company raised a $25 million Series A led by Insight Partners in 2017, and raised another $25 million in debt financing last year. This latest funding will help the company expand its product and team.
The company’s software helps organizations build better digital products faster. It recently announced $200 million in Series B funding and is valued at $1 billion. This funding will allow Quantum Metric to continue its massive growth, hire more people, and create a culture of Continuous Product Design.
Conclusion
Quantum Metric will use the funding to expand in the US and build out a team in the EMEA and Asia PAC regions. The company will also use the funds to further develop its product and consider a path to an IPO. The company also plans to raise more funding if necessary. Its total financing is currently up to $251 million, and the company has secured another $25 million debt facility in 2020.
