Professor Shalom Lappin lays out a timely warning: without robust, international rules, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence could lead us into uncertain territory. Drawing on the insights of his book, “Understanding the Artificial Intelligence Revolution,” he explains that reining in tech giants, reforming intellectual property laws, and preparing workforces for automation all call for global cooperation.
Working across Queen Mary University of London, King’s College London, and the University of Gothenburg, Lappin points out that our fixation on the idea of superintelligent AI often distracts us from immediate challenges. Consider this: in 2022, large tech corporations produced 32 major machine learning models, whereas universities managed only three. This imbalance means that commercial aims can skew research away from serving public needs.
Another aspect that can’t be overlooked is the environmental toll. Training advanced models like ChatGPT-4 reportedly consumed around 50 gigawatt hours of electricity—comparable to powering thousands of homes for a year. Meanwhile, chip manufacturing for AI demands vast amounts of water and power and involves hazardous chemicals.
Professor Lappin offers a threefold strategy to tackle these issues. First, given that no single nation can control global tech players, international regulations are essential. Second, reforming intellectual property laws is critical. AI companies should seek permission from copyright holders for protected data and be clear about their data sources. Finally, the risks posed by biased systems and disinformation call for solid policy measures to counter these challenges, from healthcare to finance.
For anyone who’s ever wrestled with unsettling tech news or felt overwhelmed by rapid change, these insights come as a needed reminder. We can’t sit back and let market forces alone shape the future of our communities. Instead, proactive policy, public investment, and global collaboration are key to ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits everyone without compromising our shared values.
Takeaway: Thoughtful regulation and international teamwork are our best bets for harnessing AI’s potential while keeping its risks in check.
