100. Carl Miller - The AI Revolution: Exploring its Ethical, Social, and Political Ramifications

Today, I welcome back Carl Miller, a leading expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence and the Research Director at Demos, a UK-based think tank. After his insightful discussion on information warfare, cyber-attacks, and weaponisation of social media in Episode 51, Carl returns to delve deeper into the ethical, social, and political ramifications of AI. From exploring the centralisation of power in AI development to discussing real-world case studies on deepfake technology and ethical risks, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the complex landscape of AI governance and ethics. Carl also shares inspiring stories of AI's potential for social good, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on society.

As you’ll hear, Carl also shared details about his latest project Recursive Public, an experiment in identifying areas of consensus and disagreement among the international AI community, policymakers, and the public on key questions of governance. Please consider supporting this important and worthwhile AI governance project. You can register here.

Some of the other topics we covered are:

• A Think Tanker's Foray into AI Ethics
  • Carl’s background in public policy and his role at Demos, a leading UK think tank with a focus on AI ethics and governance.

• Understanding Power Dynamics in the AI Era
  • Carl defines the concept of power in the digital age and its implications for AI governance.
  • Categorising different forms of power, including economic and coercive power, and how they relate to AI development.

• Who Holds the Reins of AI? The Centralisation of Power
  • An in-depth look into the entities that hold the levers of power in AI, from tech giants to governmental bodies.

• Centralisation of AI Technologies
  • Discussion on the centralisation of AI technologies like GPT and its societal implications.

• Fostering a Collaborative Community in AI
  • Carl emphasises the need for a less hostile, more collaborative approach to AI ethics and governance.

• Ethical Concerns: AI's Potential for Social Harm
  • Exploration of the ethical risks associated with AI, particularly in polarised societies and areas lacking human rights frameworks.

• The Agency of AI: A Risk Assessment
  • Discussion on the conditions under which AI could become a dangerous entity, including the potential for autonomous action.

• Deepfakes and Misinformation: A Case Study
  • A real-world example of how deepfake technology was utilised to create misleading news broadcasts in Venezuela.

• Positive AI Use Cases: Empowering the Marginalised
  • Inspiring stories from India where AI is bridging the digital divide and improving access to government services.

• Future of AI Ethics
  • The episode concludes with a look at what's next in the field of AI ethics and governance.

Resources:

• Carl Miller's Book: The Death of the Gods
• Intelligence Squared Podcast
• Episode 51 with Carl Miller

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