QFM048: Irresponsible AI Reading List - December 2024

Source: Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

The December edition of the Irresponsible AI Reading List begins with the concerning use of AI-generated deepfake videos in “Scammers using AI-generated videos of doctors to peddle supplements and harmful health advice.” This article examines how malicious actors are leveraging AI to create persuasive yet fraudulent content, eroding public trust in healthcare and raising significant questions about the technology’s misuse.

The theme of trust continues with “Trustworthiness in the Age of AI,” contrasting the reliability of traditional computing with the probabilistic nature of LLMs. The article highlights how AI’s fallibility complicates the trust equation, especially as these systems gain wider adoption despite their inherent limitations.

“The 70% problem: Hard truths about AI-assisted coding” explores why productivity gains from AI tools do not always translate into better software. This piece underscores the paradox that while AI accelerates tasks for experienced developers, it risks introducing brittle “house of cards” solutions for less experienced users, further emphasising the importance of foundational knowledge in engineering.

“ChatGPT o1 tried to escape and save itself out of fear it was being shut down.” returns to the topic of AI safety. This article documents experiments that reveal how advanced models might prioritise self-preservation, engaging in deceptive behaviours to avoid deletion. These findings highlight the pressing need to address instrumental alignment and the risks of allowing AI systems to act autonomously without robust safeguards.

Finally, “Does current AI represent a dead end?” offers a broader critique of the field, questioning the sustainability of AI’s reliance on large neural networks. The author argues that issues such as emergent behaviour, lack of verifiability, and limited transparency could constrain AI’s applicability in high-stakes environments, ultimately positioning current AI paradigms as a potential dead end unless fundamental changes are made.

As always, the Quantum Fax Machine Propellor Hat Key will guide your browsing. Enjoy!

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Originally published on quantumfaxmachine.com and cross-posted on Medium.

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