Edward Snowden and Ben Goertzel on the AI Explosion and Data Privacy

CoinDesk・2 minutes read

Ben Gertzel and Edward Snowden discuss AI, data privacy, and surveillance, highlighting the power concentration in big tech companies and government agencies, emphasizing the need for legislative restraints and open AI models for public access. Snowden warns about the criminality of AI on existing data troves, while Gertzel explains the dominance of corporations in building AI models and the advantages they have over governments, urging for proactive measures to address AI implications.

Insights

  • Edward Snowden emphasizes the extensive surveillance and data collection practices conducted by both governments and corporations, raising concerns about the criminality and implications of AI on existing data repositories.
  • Ben Gertzel highlights the dominance of major corporations like Google and Meta in AI model development, underscoring their advantages in data and financial resources over governments, while also discussing the potential for government agencies to enhance data mining capabilities through advanced AI technologies.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What are the concerns regarding AI and data privacy?

    The discussion highlighted the pervasive mass surveillance by governments and corporations, the criminality of AI on existing data troves, automated data processing methods used by intelligence agencies, and the concentration of AI capabilities in fewer hands.

  • How do big corporations leverage AI technology?

    Big corporations like Google and Meta dominate AI development due to vast data and financial resources, contrasting with other AI methods like logical reasoning systems. They have advantages over governments in leveraging AI technology and enhancing data mining capabilities.

  • What challenges exist in regulating AI?

    Policy challenges in regulating AI stem from libertarian views, surveillance concerns, and the high cost of training AI models. The proposal for open models with limited commercial licenses aims to ensure public access while addressing regulatory issues.

  • Why is transparency important in AI models?

    Accessing AI models is challenging due to lack of transparency and open data, leading to discussions on legislative restraints and proactive measures to address the implications of AI on data privacy and surveillance. Openness in AI models is crucial for public trust and accountability.

  • What is the focus of the AI safety movement?

    The AI safety movement focuses on far-future scenarios, contrasting with current AI challenges. Efforts are directed towards developing decentralized AI for better control and access, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in AI development.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

AI, Data Privacy, and Surveillance: Discussion Summary

  • Discussion on AI and data privacy with Ben Gertzel, CEO of Singularity Nets, and Edward Snowden, President of the Freedom of the Press Foundation.
  • Edward Snowden highlights the pervasive mass surveillance and data gathering by governments and corporations.
  • Snowden discusses the criminality and implications of AI on existing data troves.
  • Snowden explains the automated data processing and surveillance methods used by intelligence agencies.
  • Snowden warns about the increasing power and concentration of AI capabilities in fewer hands.
  • Ben Gertzel explains the dominance of big corporations like Google and Meta in building AI models due to their vast data and financial resources.
  • Gertzel contrasts the AI approaches prioritized by big tech companies with other AI methods like logical reasoning systems.
  • Gertzel discusses the advantages big companies have over governments in leveraging AI technology.
  • Gertzel mentions the potential for government agencies to enhance their data mining capabilities with advanced AI.
  • Discussion on the need for legislative restraints and proactive measures to address the implications of AI on data privacy and surveillance.

17:06

Challenges and Solutions in AI Access

  • Edward discusses the challenges in accessing AI models due to lack of transparency and open data.
  • Stable diffusion project increased training set size to avoid moral panics.
  • The cost of training AI models is high, with equipment and cards being expensive.
  • Policy challenges in regulating AI due to libertarian views and surveillance concerns.
  • Proposal for open models with limited commercial licenses to ensure public access.
  • Discussion on potential revolutionary actions if companies exploit models against public interest.
  • Government capabilities in AI are kept secret but could be beneficial if shared.
  • AI safety movement focuses on far-future scenarios, contrasting with current AI challenges.
  • Singularity Net aims to develop decentralized AI for better control and access.
  • Teaching machines to be better than humans is crucial for AI development and ethical considerations.

32:33

Consensus 2023: Audience Appreciated, Program Continues

  • Event: Consensus 2023 with Ben Gertzel
  • Audience thanked for attendance
  • Program continuation acknowledged
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.