Last week, its president Signal Meredith Whittaker gave an exciting talk at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023. The title: H artificial intelligence AI is fundamentally a surveillance technology technology).
Let's face it; Artificial intelligence has infiltrated every industry, from business to defense. But it seems the only ones who really benefit are those who have power over us, governments, employers, border control.
But what's going on behind the scenes? Let's see Whittaker's opinions on this theme.
AI: A circle of surveillance
Whittaker argues that AI is an extension (and deterioration) of the surveillance business model that began in the late 90s. In her words, “The Venn diagram it's a circle". You walk past a recognition camera person and determines your mood or even character traits.
This information is then fed to the authorities who make key decisions about your life, such as employment or access to resources. It makes you wonder… Who really benefits from these massive amounts of data and at what cost?
The human cost of artificial intelligence
Whittaker mentions a critical point that we often overlook: human labor. AI systems cannot exist without it. Data analysis or calibration algorithms, involve thousands of low-wage workers and they are behind the scenes. The same technology they help create can later be used to oversee them. So the question is: How ethical is this work practice?
Open Source AI: Not as transparent as you think
The conversation then turned to “open source artificial intelligence,” a term Whittaker believes is somewhat misleading. The code and parameters may be open, but the infrastructure and work remain hidden. Even open source projects backed by big tech companies like Meta and Google have their own agendas, directing AI research in ways that serve them. Don't look for justice here. It is about the dynamics of the powerful.
So where does Signal stand with AI? Whittaker reveals that the privacy-focused messaging app uses a small, off-the-shelf AI model for its face-blurring feature.
But until there. The goal is to keep things simple and less intrusive, avoiding the extensive surveillance machinery often associated with artificial intelligence.
Resistance and regulation
Whittaker didn't hold back when discussing the current state of digital privacy. Condemn them all attempts to undermine end-to-end encryption, which are often served up as "child protection" measures and calls on the whole world to resist.
Meredith Whittaker's appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt provided more than just insights. It gave us a different perspective to judge and evaluate the AI landscape. Her arguments prompt us to ask who really benefits from the spread of AI technology and what sacrifices are made along the way. It's time to face these uncomfortable truths.
