Artificial intelligence (AI) was the main theme at this year’s Google developer conference, I/O, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledging that the shift caused by AI is enormous. However, while the potential benefits of AI are great, so are the potential risks. James Manyika, the head of Google’s new “Technology and Society” department, highlighted the concerns surrounding AI and called for it to be approached “boldly and responsibly.”
Manyika cited the risks of misinformation and unfair biases, which could be exacerbated by the further development of AI and increased areas of application. To counter these risks, Google established seven ethical rules for the development of AI in 2018, including prioritizing safety, respecting privacy, and avoiding creating or encouraging unfair biases.
While Google has been working hard to make AI a responsible technology that benefits society, Manyika noted that building responsible AI requires a collaborative effort with researchers, humanities scholars, industry experts, governments, ordinary people, and creators and publishers. Despite the challenges, Manyika noted that as a society, we are in an exciting time, with much to achieve and much to get right together.
