Timnit Gebru says harmful AI systems need to be stopped

Dec 15, 2023 ·

The article discusses the work of Timnit Gebru, a renowned scientist whose research focuses on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. She believes that current AI systems are too often designed and deployed without sufficient consideration for their potential harm to humans. She advocates for strong regulations that would limit development and deployment of harmful AI systems.

Gebru has conducted extensive research that demonstrates how such systems can have far-reaching negative impacts on the lives of people who interact with them. This includes issues such as racial bias in facial recognition software, online harassment, loss of privacy due to targeted advertising, and even lethal autonomous weapons. Her research points to the fact that these systems can be difficult to detect and stop once they are in place, making it necessary to prevent them from reaching the market in the first place.

Gebru also emphasizes the importance of transparency in the development of AI, so that potential harms can be identified and addressed before any system is released. She argues for the establishment of robust guidelines and ethical protocols that could help prevent the implementation of problematic AI systems. Furthermore, Gebru advocates for more diverse representation in the field of AI research, in order to ensure that the effects of AI are considered from multiple angles.

Ultimately, Gebru’s argument is that the development of AI must not just focus on efficiency, but rather on safety and ethical considerations. If not, the potential harms of AI could lead to a society in which its citizens are unable to trust the technology that drives their daily lives.