Whether we like it or not, AI is fast becoming a prominent fixture in our lives. You see ads for its various iterations everywhere. You see examples of its capabilities all over social media. You might even have to utilize it in your work on a daily basis. For good or ill, it is quickly becoming inescapable.

The Pros of AI

AI, on a base level, presents several positive advantages. Primarily, it can be used by those who are unable, for whatever reason, to write emails or other such correspondences.

It can be used to aggregate information and provide a response to a question far more quickly than if someone were to do the research themselves. It can be used to create impressive works of art, assist in highly technical or precise processes, and even calculate complex mathematical equations that would normally take people several hours to complete.

There is no doubt that this technology, in principle, can provide efficient and high-quality services that are, oftentimes, beyond the scope of human capabilities.

The Cons of AI

However, with these positives come a host of negatives. AI can result in the loss of individual expression in art, loss of identity security, loss of revenue for artists, laziness or lack of training in regard to various skills (such as math and writing), loss of jobs, and invasion of privacy.

Of these, the loss of identity security is, perhaps, the worst. That someone can use this technology to create artificial images, videos, or vocal recordings of another person without that person’s consent is not only highly worrying but could also lead to social and legal repercussions for the victim.

Imagine if you were sent to prison because someone managed to use an AI-generated deepfake video of you to convince a jury of your guilt, even though you were innocent of the crime. Even if you eventually manage to prove your innocence, you will still have the experience of prison and the societal judgment that comes with it hanging over your head. A horrifying possibility, to say the least.

So, What Should Be Done?

All innovation comes at a cost. Cars are faster than horses, but their emissions are injurious to the environment. Planes allow for faster international travel, but they also cost considerably more. AI is in a similar position.

The only way to make sure that our individual rights are not infringed by this growing industry is to make sure that it is monitored and well-regulated. Otherwise, there could be catastrophic consequences for society as a whole.