Avoiding an AI Repeat of Social Media’s Mistakes: A Call for Proactive Governance
Artificial intelligence holds immense promise, but also notable risk.Will AI ultimately benefit or harm society? The answer hinges on our ability to learn from past technological disruptions – specifically, the lessons offered by the rise of social media. We cannot afford another decade of reactive policymaking; the time for establishing a robust AI governance model is now.
The core issue isn’t the technology itself, but who controls it. I’ve been thinking about this for years. Back in 2017, I envisioned an AI – I called it “Charlie” – that functions as a trusted professional, like your doctor or lawyer. Bound by legal and ethical frameworks,Charlie would prioritize your interests. Why can’t we apply the same principles to all AI development?
The Social Media Precedent: A Warning sign
We’ve already seen what happens when powerful monopolies dominate a new technology and prioritize data harvesting over individual well-being.Social media’s evolution demonstrates that unchecked power doesn’t create value for you, the user. We must prevent a similar concentration of control in the hands of a few AI giants.
The frustration many feel with modern democracy stems, in part, from governments struggling to keep pace with rapid digital change. The AI industry is intensely competitive, with development and governance largely dictated by corporations. This approach, as we learned from social media, will not serve the individual.
A CERN-Inspired Solution: International Collaboration
the story of the internet’s creation offers a compelling option. I coded the World Wide Web on a single computer, but that computer resided at CERN. CERN, established after World War II by international collaboration, recognized a pivotal scientific moment requiring shared resources and open access.
Imagine a similar, not-for-profit body dedicated to international AI research. It’s unlikely a major tech company would willingly share AI advancements without seeking commercial gain, as CERN did with the web. A collaborative, publicly-focused organization is essential.
Reclaiming the Future of AI
I released the World Wide Web freely, believing it would only succeed if it benefited everyone. That conviction remains stronger than ever. Technically,regulation and global governance of AI are achievable. However, they require the political will to prioritize people over profit.
If we can summon that will, we have the prospect to reshape AI into a tool for collaboration, creativity, and compassion. We can re-empower individuals and reclaim the promise of technology for the common good. It’s not too late to build an AI future that truly works for you.
Further Reading:
* The Innovators by Walter Isaacson (simon & Schuster) – A deep dive into the history of innovation and the individuals who shaped it.
* The Web We Weave by Jeff Jarvis (Basic) – Explores the evolving relationship between individuals and the internet.
* The History of the Internet in Byte-Sized Chunks by Chris Stokel-Walker (Michael O’Mara) – A concise and accessible overview of the internet’s development.
