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May 10, 2025 12 mins
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Episode Transcript

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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, So today we're going to do something a
little bit different. We're gonna look at the potential risks
of AI, you know, the stuff that doesn't always make headlines.
You know. I know that you've been reading up on
the impact of AI, like particularly around security and privacy,
and that's smarts. Yeah, thinking about this now because AI
is evolving so quickly, So let's uncover what we all

(00:21):
need to know about the potential downsides of AI, you know,
so we can all be informed and maybe even a
little bit ahead of the curve.

Speaker 2 (00:26):
Yeah, it sounds good.

Speaker 1 (00:28):
One of the articles that you sent me talked about
AI and healthcare, and it said that AI is already
being used to analyze medical records and even assist in surgeries,
which is amazing, Yeah, but also kind of scary, Like,
imagine if that system got hacked, the consequences could be disastrous.

Speaker 2 (00:45):
Yeah, it's a very very valid concern, and healthcare is
just one example. You know, think about the financial markets.
AI algorithms are managing billions of dollars in investments, and
if those algorithms were manipulated, you know, it could destabilize
entire economies. Or imagine a cyber attack on a power
grid that's controlled by AI, you know, they could cause

(01:05):
widespread blackouts and chaos.

Speaker 1 (01:07):
Okay, that's a bit unsettling. So these aren't just hypothetical scenarios,
are they.

Speaker 2 (01:12):
No, not at all. Security experts are very aware of
these vulnerabilities and they're actively working on solutions. But the
rapid development of AI, you know, means that we're constantly
playing catch up with security measures.

Speaker 1 (01:23):
Right, Yeah, it seems like a constant race to stay
ahead of the risks it is. And speaking of risks,
let's talk about privacy. Sure, AI needs data to function,
we all know that. But how much data is too much?
And who's making sure that companies aren't going overboard with
our personal information?

Speaker 2 (01:40):
Well, you know, that's a crucial question. The current state
of AI relies on gathering massive amounts of data, and
that includes things like our browsing history, our social media activity,
and even our location.

Speaker 1 (01:51):
So it's like every move we make is being tracked
and analyzed in a way.

Speaker 2 (01:55):
Yes, and here's the concerning part. A lot of the
inner workings of these AI systems are opaque. We don't
always know exactly how they're using our data. You know,
companies might say that they're using it to improve services
or to target ads, but how can we be certain.

Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah, it feels like a bit of a blind trust.

Speaker 2 (02:12):
Situation, Yeah, exactly, and that lack of transparency makes it
very difficult to assess the potential for misuse.

Speaker 1 (02:19):
So what can we do about it? Are there any
ways to protect our privacy in this age of data
hungry AI?

Speaker 2 (02:26):
Well, there are a few promising avenues. You know, on
the regulatory side, we have data protection laws like GDPR
in Europe, right, and these regulations give individuals more control
over their data and they require companies to be more
transparent about how they use it. Another really interesting development
is privacy enhancing technologies like federated learning. And instead of
sending all of our data to a central server, federated

(02:48):
learning allows AI models to be trained on data that
stays on our own devices.

Speaker 1 (02:53):
So it's like having the benefits of AI without sacrificing
our privacy exactly.

Speaker 2 (02:57):
It's a way to kind of have our cake and
eat it too. Yeah, learning still has a lot of
technical challenges that we need to overcome, but you know,
step in the right direction.

Speaker 1 (03:06):
It's encouraging to hear that there are solutions being developed.
But here's another question that comes to mind. Who's really
in control when it comes to AI? Like, if algorithms
are making decisions about loans, jobs, even criminal sentencing, that's
a lot of power, and how can we be sure
that those algorithms are fair and unbiased.

Speaker 2 (03:26):
Yeah, that's the core of the control dilemma. You know,
we're creating these incredibly powerful tools, but the question of
how to govern those tools is still evolving, and the
lack of transparency in many AI systems, you know, makes
this even more challenging. If we don't fully understand how
an AI is making its decisions, it's very difficult to
ensure fairness and accountability.

Speaker 1 (03:46):
Yeah, it's like we're handing over control to systems we
don't fully understand.

Speaker 2 (03:50):
That's a good way to put it, and it highlights
the importance of developing what's called explainable AI or XAI,
and this field focuses on making AI systems more transparent
so we can understand and their decision making processes.

Speaker 1 (04:01):
So instead of just getting an answer from the AI,
we can also see the reasoning behind it exactly.

Speaker 2 (04:05):
If we can see the logic, you know, that we
can better identify potential biases or errors.

Speaker 1 (04:11):
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. It seems like
transparency is really key to building trust in AI systems.

Speaker 2 (04:17):
Absolutely. Transparency allows us to hold AI systems accountable and
ensure that they're being used ethically and responsibly.

Speaker 1 (04:24):
So we've talked about security risks, We've talked about privacy concerns,
and now this issue of control. It's a lot to
think about. But before we get too overwhelmed, let's explore
some of the potential solutions in more detail. Okay, we'll
be right back after a quick money Okay, so.

Speaker 2 (04:38):
We've uncovered some pretty significant risks associated with AI, but
you know, I'm also curious about the potential solutions, Like
what are some concrete steps that we can take to
like mitigate these risks and ensure that AI is used
ethically and safely. Yeah, you're right. You know, focusing on
solutions is really essential, and it's going to require a
multifaceted approach. You know, it involves regulation, technological advancements, and

(05:00):
really a shift in how we think about AI development
and deployment.

Speaker 1 (05:03):
Okay, I like where this is going. Let's unpack that
a bit, Like what are some of the most promising
solutions that are being explored right now.

Speaker 2 (05:10):
Well, one area that's gaining a lot of traction is
the development of ethical AI frameworks. One of the articles
you share it actually dives into this and highlights how
these frameworks can guide AI development towards outcomes that align
with human values.

Speaker 1 (05:24):
So it's like establishing a set of rules or guidelines
for AI, you know, ensuring that it's used for good exactly.

Speaker 2 (05:32):
Yeah, think of as a code of conduct for AI,
prioritizing things like fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
And many organizations, including governments and tech companies are actively
working on these frameworks. You know, they're trying to define
best practices for responsible AI development.

Speaker 1 (05:47):
That sounds promising, but how do we ensure that these
ethical guidelines are actually followed? I mean, is it just
a matter of hoping that companies will do the right thing.

Speaker 2 (05:56):
But that's where government regulation comes into play. You know,
there's a growing consensus that we need clear laws and
regulations that are specifically tailored to the challenges of AI.
This could involve you know, mandating transparency in AI systems,
establishing liability for AI cost harm, or even setting limits
on the types of decisions that AI can make.

Speaker 1 (06:16):
So we're not just relying on the goodwill of tech companies.
We need to establish a legal framework that holds them.

Speaker 2 (06:21):
Accountable precisely, and this legal framework needs to address the
very complex question of accountability. You know, if an AI
system makes a mistake that harms someone, who is responsible?
Is it the program or the company that deployed it,
or even the AI itself. These aren't easy questions to answer,
and that's why, you know, a really robust legal framework
is going to be essential for navigating this new territory.

Speaker 1 (06:42):
Yeah, it sounds like there's a lot of work to
be done on the legal and ethical front, But what
about technological solutions? Are there any advancements that can help
us get a better handle on these AI risks?

Speaker 2 (06:53):
Absolutely? Remember we talked about explainable AI or XAI earlier, right.

Speaker 1 (06:56):
Where we can see the reasoning behind the AI's decisions exactly.

Speaker 2 (07:00):
By making AI systems more transparent and interpretable, you know,
we can understand how they work, and we can identify
potential biases or errors. Instead of just receiving a decision,
we can actually see the logic that led to that decision.

Speaker 1 (07:13):
So it's like lifting the hood on the AI and
making sure that it's operating as intended.

Speaker 2 (07:17):
That's a great analogy, and this level of transparency is
absolutely essential for building trust in these AI systems. You know,
if we can understand how decisions are being made, we're
more likely to accept and trust those decisions.

Speaker 1 (07:30):
That makes sense. What about the security risks that we
talked about earlier? Are there any technological solutions that can
help protect AI systems from hacking and manipulation?

Speaker 2 (07:38):
Absolutely? AI security is a very rapidly developing field, and
researchers are working on advanced encryption methods, anomaly detection systems
they can spot any unusual activity, and even AI systems
that can defend themselves against cyber attacks. It's really fascinating
and crucial area of research.

Speaker 1 (07:57):
Right, AI systems that can defend themselves against cyber attacks.
So we're talking about AI fighting AI. That's pretty mind blowing.

Speaker 2 (08:02):
It is quite remarkable, and you know, it highlights the
very rapid pace of innovation in this field. Of course,
these self defending AI systems raise their own set of
questions and concerns, but you know, the potential benefits in
terms of security are really significant.

Speaker 1 (08:17):
Yeah, it sounds like a constant race to stay ahead
of the threats. But it's good to know that there
are brilliant minds working on solutions. You know, all this
talk about potential risks could make someone pretty pessimistic about
the future of AI, but hearing about these solutions, you know,
gives me a glimmer of hope. It seems like we're
not just passively waiting for the robot apocalypse. We're actually
working on ways to shape AI in a positive direction.

Speaker 2 (08:40):
Yeah, yeah, I completely agree. You know, it's crucial to
acknowledge the risks but not be paralyzed by fear. We
need to approach AI with a sense of cautious optimism.
You know, there are significant challenges, but they're also incredible opportunities,
and ultimately, the future of AI depends on the choices
that we make today.

Speaker 1 (08:59):
So we're not just spectators in this AI revolution. We
have a responsibility to be informed, engaged, and proactive in
shaping the future of this powerful.

Speaker 2 (09:07):
Technology precisely, and that brings us to a very crucial question,
what role do each of us want to play in
shaping the future of AI.

Speaker 1 (09:16):
That's a great question to ponder and a perfect segue
into the final part of our deep dive, where we'll
explore that very question in more detail. We'll be right
back after a quick DARP.

Speaker 2 (09:25):
So we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive,
and you know, we've explored the potential risks of AI,
from security breaches to that question of control. Right, but
before we wrap up, I want to circle back to
something that you said earlier. You know, this isn't just
a problem for tech companies and governments to solve. We
all have a role to play in shaping the future
of AI, right Absolutely, the future of AI. You know,
it's not predetermined. It's being shaped right now by the

(09:48):
decisions that we make, the conversations that we have, and
the actions we take.

Speaker 1 (09:51):
So where do we even start, Like, what can we
as individuals actually do to ensure that AI is developed
and used responsibly.

Speaker 2 (09:57):
One of the most important things we can all do
is just educate ourselves about AI. You know, the more
we understand how it works, it's potential benefits and risks,
the better equipped will be, you know, to make informed
decisions and advocate for responsible development.

Speaker 1 (10:11):
Yeah, it's about being informed citizens, not just you know,
passive consumers of technology exactly.

Speaker 2 (10:18):
And you know, start buy is being aware of how
AI is already impacting your life. Yeah, you know, it's
in the recommendations that you see online, the loan applications
that you submit, even the way the traffic is managed
in your city. And once you understand how AI is
being used, you could start asking critical questions. Is it
being used fairly? Is it respecting our privacy? Is it
us serving our best interests?

Speaker 1 (10:37):
Those are great questions to consider. So it's about becoming
more aware of AI's presence in our lives and then
engaging in like thoughtful conversations about its impact precisely.

Speaker 2 (10:47):
And those conversations need to happen everywhere, you know, at
the dinner table and classrooms and boardrooms and in the
halls of government. You know, we need to demystify AI,
separate fact from fiction, and engage in open dialogue about
the future that we want to create with this technology.

Speaker 1 (11:02):
It feels like we're at a crossroads with AI. You know,
we can either let it shape our world in ways
that we don't fully understand our control, or we can
actively participate in shaping its development and its use.

Speaker 2 (11:13):
That's a really powerful way to put it, and it
highlights the importance of individual action. You know, don't underestimate
the power of your voice. Stay informed, ask questions, challenge assumptions,
and demand better from the companies and the institutions that
are shaping the future of AI.

Speaker 1 (11:29):
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of it all,
but you know, you're right. We can't just sit back
and let things happen. We need to be engaged and proactive, right.

Speaker 2 (11:37):
And remember, you know, while AI does present these significant challenges,
it also offers immense potential for good. You know, it
can help us address climate change, develop new medical treatments,
and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Speaker 1 (11:50):
So it's not about rejecting AI altogether. It's about harnessing
its power responsibly and ethically, you know, for the benefit
of all.

Speaker 2 (11:57):
Humankinds Precisely, we need to approach AI with sense of
both optimism and caution, embrace the possibilities while remaining vigilant
about those potential pitfalls.

Speaker 1 (12:08):
Well said, I think that's a perfect note to end on.
This deep dive has been both fascinating and thought provoking,
and it's clear that AI is a powerful force. It
will continue to shape our world in profound ways, and.

Speaker 2 (12:20):
The choices that we make today will determine the kind
of future that we create with this technology. So I'll
leave you with this question, what role do you want
to play in shaping the future of AI?

Speaker 1 (12:29):
That is a great question to ponder, and on that note,
we'll wrap up this deep dive. Thank you for joining
us on this exploration of the complex and ever evolving
world of AI. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed,
and stay engaged.
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