As technological advances continue to increase so do the potential risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has revolutionized many aspects of life and, for the most part, has proven to be a great benefit. However, there are some powerful implications for its misuse and abuse that need to be addressed. Nancy Mace, a republican representative of South Carolina, is leading a house hearing this week on the subject of AI and so-called “deepfakes”.
Deepfakes are digitally altered videos or images that use AI-based technology to create a realistic look-alike of a subject. The technology has been used for and could be used again for malicious purposes, such as spreading misinformation, harassing people or creating political unrest. Nancy Mace has warned of the dangers of deepfakes and believes that it is important to bring the risks to the attention of the public in order for society to be able to progress safely.
Several high-profile industry leaders and experts will be attending the house hearing. They will be discussing both the progress of deepfakes technology, as well as the need for regulation and public awareness. The focus of the hearing will be to determine what actions need to be taken in order to protect the public. It is also expected that the experts will provide ideas for measures that can be put in place to prevent malicious uses of the technology.
This hearing will come at a time when the concerns surrounding AI and deepfakes are at a high. With the 2020 US elections and the increased use of social media and technology, false news and manipulated videos are a genuine risk. It is therefore essential that legislators take this issue seriously and work together to address the potential dangers that AI and deepfakes could present.
Ultimately, it is down to the government and other agencies to ensure that people are adequately informed and protected of the risks associated with AI and deepfakes. Nancy Mace’s house hearing seeks to provide a platform for the discussion of this important subject and is a major step in the process to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.