Advancements in artificial intelligence are continuously shaping the future of various industries, playing a pivotal role in technologies such as big data, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The emergence of generative AI has further broadened the horizons and appeal of AI.
As per a 2023 survey by IBM, 42% of large-scale businesses have already integrated AI into their operations, with an additional 40% contemplating its adoption. Moreover, 38% of organisations have incorporated generative AI into their workflows, while 42% are exploring the possibility of doing so.
With these rapid changes unfolding, the evolving landscape of AI has significant implications for diverse industries and society as a whole, affecting livelihoods and democratic process.
Here, Deepika Singh, CEO and Chief Cyber Officer at Deepcytes, an AI-Enabled Cyber Intelligence company discusses the effect of technology in the modern world.
How far have we come with technology and AI, and how do they affect the world around us today?
Currently, the world is experiencing both the benefits and challenges of generative technologies. After the dot-com boom, the next significant technological shift was expected with the rise of the metaverse. However, the metaverse did not achieve the anticipated hype or valuations for various companies. Nonetheless, it provided an alternative reality, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by globally connecting people. Unfortunately, it also opened new avenues for fraud, with technological crimes causing an estimated $8 trillion in losses—equivalent to the world's third-largest economy, after the US and China. This figure includes not only financial losses but also reputational and operational damages.
In terms of communications, verifying a person's identity has become increasingly difficult. For instance, deepfakes can mimic faces with startling accuracy. This generative technology can map your face and recognise you from childhood photos to adulthood by analysing facial vectors. Despite the potential for misuse, such as identity theft and cyberbullying, technology also offers noble applications like drone deliveries of medicines and vaccines during Covid, highlighting the need for vigilant and responsible use.
Given that AI and technology come with both pros and cons, how do you think they will influence the election process, especially in this year when many countries globally are choosing new leaders?
There are two main roles that AI and technology play in the election process: pre-election preparation and the voting process itself. When it comes to pre-election preparation, there are various scandals where targeted ads were used to profile voters and influence their opinions, leveraging cognitive biases. Mixing psychology, philosophy, and technology, this method exploits the predictability of human behaviour based on personality traits. This has led to a rise in partisan politics globally. Even teenagers are now familiar with terms like left-wing, right-wing, and extreme political positions. During election preparations, social media chatter plays a significant role. However, technology also raises concerns about data privacy. Profiling individuals based on their online activity can lead to invasive targeting, with limited data privacy regulations currently in place.
With the actual voting process, traditional ballot systems lack a digital trail, meaning that paper ballots can be easily destroyed or tampered with. Introducing a blockchain-based system could ensure that each vote is securely encrypted and immutable. This would prevent tampering and ensure that votes are recorded accurately without targeting individuals based on race, gender, or preferences. Moreover, technology can aid in understanding voter sentiments and shaping party manifestos. Some young political parties have used social media sentiment analysis to create their manifestos, reflecting the public's concerns and priorities more accurately. While social media can be a powerful tool for governments to understand and respond to their citizens, it must be used responsibly to avoid profiling and manipulation.
Is AI really a threat to the workforce and can go after livelihoods as feared by governments and individuals?
The AI lobby—much like the Bitcoin lobby—comprises companies and individuals who tout their AI as superior and capable of replacing human jobs, eliminating human errors. Based on my experience leading a team of 36 members who have analysed over 1,500 AI tools, I can confidently say that AI is not yet close to human intelligence. The jobs at risk are primarily routine, robotic tasks. AI currently lacks the ability to think creatively, a vital human trait. While AI can serve as a valuable tool to enhance productivity—like the horizontal moving walkways in airports that speed up our journey without much effort—it cannot replace human creativity and complex decision-making. For those unfamiliar with AI, there is a risk of being deceived by technologies such as deep fakes and sophisticated filters, which have been misused increasingly. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more diverse, attributing these actions becomes increasingly difficult.
