Governments Require Intelligence in Their Employment of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a technology of the future, but a present reality. It is integrated into various aspects of our daily lives, from common mobile apps and programs like iPhones, Amazon's Alexa, Twitter and Facebook feeds, Google's search engine, and Netflix movie queues, to name a few.

In the global arena, several countries are investing heavily in AI, with the United States and China leading the pack. China, in particular, has set a goal to become the world leader in AI by 2030, committing $150 billion to achieve this ambition.

AI applications are categorised into three types: weak (or narrow) artificial intelligence, artificial general intelligence, and artificial superintelligence. At the moment, all existing AI technologies fall into the narrow category, which uses machine learning, a statistical process that begins with a dataset and tries to derive a rule or procedure that can explain the data or predict future data.

One of the most promising areas of AI application is in the medical field. AI is being used to spot pathogens in blood samples and analyse MRI scans for cancer, working more quickly and accurately than human counterparts.

However, AI's potential for misuse is a cause for concern. In China, AI-powered technology is being used for extensive surveillance in Xinjiang and Tibet, combining multiple streams of information including individual DNA samples, online chat history, social media posts, medical records, and bank account information.

Moreover, AI can be used to push out automated, hyperpersonalized disinformation campaigns via social media, targeting specific people or groups. China has sold facial recognition software to authorities in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru, and is supplying Zimbabwe with facial recognition technology for its state security services.

Another area of concern is the problem of opacity associated with machine learning, as it becomes increasingly difficult to follow the logic of how a machine reached a certain conclusion.

Despite these concerns, AI technology is being used to advance various sectors, including social credit scores in China, and the rollout of "smart" or "safe" cities in countries such as Pakistan and Kenya, as part of China's digital silk road initiative.

It is crucial to address the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding AI while harnessing its potential for positive change. As AI continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that it is developed and used responsibly, with transparency and accountability at its core.