230903_W7 [TED]

https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandr_wang_war_ai_and_the_new_global_arms_race/transcript

Alexandr Wang: War, AI and the new global arms race

 

This TED Talk is presented by Alexandr Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI. In this video, he emphasizes two crucial points: First, the importance of investment in data infrastructure for warfare. Second, the importance of the leading technology company's engagement in warfare. It sounds a bit unsettling as he seems to support warfighting. However, his message is centered on preventing the invasion from adversaries and raising the power to protect the country, much like the lessons learned from World War 2. Just as the atomic bomb brought about a reevaluation of warfare, artificial intelligence stands as another strong weapon in our modern era.

 

As you know, AI has already become the new strongest weapon in the Ukraine war as Ukraine's military can track adversary movements and strategies effectively. Therefore now, the nation capable of using AI technology will possess a potent advantage.

 

However, many of the leading technology companies shy away from this topic. It’s understandable, given the devastating consequences of war. Even Geoffrey Everest Hinton, the creator of the deep learning algorithm, initially ignored inquiries from the U.S. military, expressing his reluctance to be associated with a technology that could potentially cause harm to humans.  He seemed almost disgusted by the idea.

 

But Wang's perspective is quite different from Hinton's perspective. He insists that AI has the potential to maintain a global diplomatic equilibrium, similar to the role nuclear power has played in international relations. Also, as the Chinese government already invested a huge amount of money in AI for military applications, it appears that we cannot avoid the usage of AI in warfare anymore.

 

After listening to his TED Talk, I became confused about my perspective. Obviously, I don’t think AI will only be used for security if we consider our history. While I do agree with some of the points Wang made, it also sounds like he is trying to make excuses for his company’s involvement in this field. Nevertheless, there isn’t really a choice as many developments are already underway. I think it is a little bit tricky to say which is right or wrong.

 

So this is my question. What are your thoughts on this topic? Which point of view do you agree with more? I’d love to hear your opinions on this matter:)