AI is here. Humanity is about to change.
As 2023 draws to a close and humanity (or at least its early-adopters) gets comfortable with generative AI, our competitive, exploitative nature is laid bare for all to see.
One year on from the launch of ChatGPT, it’s clear to almost everyone that artificial intelligence is approaching humanity like a tsunami. Our work, society – indeed our very purpose – is about to be shaken to its core.
Twice weekly (Tuesdays & Fridays) I’m going to be sharing my insights about how you and I can approach these changes. I’ll be discussing what we need to keep in mind when we speak with friends and colleagues about the rapidly evolving world around us.
Although I am a tech-entrepreneur at heart, I’m not just writing from a technology perspective, nor even a news perspective. I’m also a home-school parent and a small farmer… and my interests fall at the intersection between tech, health, education and the environment. I don’t believe these subjects can be truly considered apart from one and other – and I hope I’m going to show you why.
I will also share half a dozen interesting stories from around the world that touch on the subjects I’ll be discussing. Since I’ve started by raising the subject of AI, here are a few stories about where AI is impacting us today… and a few that highlight that we’re still busy squabbling about the same old things: hate speech and data-exploitation.
A reminder perhaps: Nothing changes - unless we change it ourselves.
Tracking AI's Ascendancy into 2024
A New Era of Policy and Productivity
The Porto Alegre city council's adoption of AI-written legislation marks a watershed moment in governance, raising profound questions about AI's role in policy-making. Meanwhile, the UK's guidance on AI in the workplace underscores the urgency of re-skilling for an AI-augmented economy. Together, these stories signal a paradigm shift in how we govern and work, with AI at the helm.
OpenAI, Google, and ByteDance's Competitive Edge
The delay in OpenAI's GPT Store and Google's 'Gemini' tool, alongside ByteDance's foray into AI chatbots, highlights a fierce competition to dominate the AI marketplace. This race is not just about technology but about setting the standards for AI interactions and monetisation, with implications for developers and consumers alike.
Japan's AI Push and Hong Kong's Security Measures
Nvidia's commitment to Japan's AI ambitions contrasts starkly with the privacy concerns driving the use of burner phones by KPMG and Deloitte staff in Hong Kong. These stories reflect the global tug-of-war between harnessing AI's potential and safeguarding privacy in an era of geopolitical tensions and technological surveillance.
New old news: Ethics, Consumerism & Privacy
Meta's Legal Woes in Europe
The $600 million lawsuit against Meta by Spanish media outlets underscores the escalating battle over data privacy in the digital advertising realm. This legal challenge could set a precedent for how tech giants handle user data and shape the future of digital marketing ethics.
Exodus: Hidalgo's Stand Against Platform Toxicity
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's departure from X, citing the spread of disinformation and hatred, exemplifies the growing disillusionment with social media's role in public discourse. This act of protest spotlights the responsibility of platforms to curb harmful content and the potential for alternative networks to rise.
A Glimpse into Consumer Upgrade Culture
The extended Cyber Monday sales on phones and tech products reveal the consumerist drive for constant upgrades. This phenomenon not only fuels the tech industry's growth but also raises questions about sustainability and the lifecycle of electronic gadgets in our throwaway culture.