Former President Obama Warns ‘Disruptive’ AI May Require Rethinking Jobs and the Economy (theverge.com)

Barack Obama’s Interview on AI, Free Speech, and the Future of the Internet

This week, former U.S. president Barack Obama was interviewed by the Verge’s podcast Decoder for a discussion on “AI, free speech, and the future of the internet.” In the interview, Obama emphasized the need to consider the implications of AI beyond intellectual property and highlighted the potential impact on jobs and the economy.

The Broader Impact of AI

Obama raised concerns about the potential disruption caused by AI, particularly in relation to job displacement. He questioned how society would need to adapt when a significant portion of existing jobs can be performed by AI. This raises questions about education and the availability of future job opportunities.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 4: Quality Education

• Obama highlighted the need to reexamine how we educate our children in light of AI’s advancements.

Regulating AI for the Greater Good

While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI, Obama emphasized the importance of setting up rules and regulations to maximize its benefits and minimize potential harm. He called for cross-border frameworks, standards, and norms to address AI’s global impact. Additionally, Obama expressed his hope that governments can educate the public on the proper understanding of AI as a tool rather than a companion.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

2. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Obama advocated for the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible development and use of AI.

Insight and Expertise in AI Regulation

Obama emphasized the need for insight and expertise in regulating AI effectively. He encouraged individuals with expertise in AI to take a “tour of duty” in the government to contribute to the development of appropriate regulations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

3. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Obama called for collaboration between experts in AI and the government to ensure the formulation of effective regulations.

Addressing the Lack of Regulatory Frameworks

Obama highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks for social media platforms, drawing a parallel with the Fairness Doctrine imposed on radio and television broadcasters. He disagreed with the idea that social networks should be considered “common carriers” obligated to distribute all information equally.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

4. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Obama emphasized the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks for social media platforms to ensure fairness and accountability.

Executive Order on AI

Obama commended the recently issued Executive Order from the White House, which he sees as a crucial step in building a framework for AI regulation. He acknowledged that there are still unknown challenges and potential benefits associated with AI but stressed the need for transparency and independent verification of safety protocols.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

5. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
6. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Obama emphasized the importance of flexible and nimble regulatory frameworks to keep up with the rapid development of AI models.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they discuss the potential impact of AI on jobs, education, the economy, and the need for regulations and frameworks to ensure the responsible development and use of AI.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship
• Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

The article raises concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and the need to reexamine education and available job opportunities. This aligns with Target 8.5 of SDG 8. Additionally, the discussion on regulations and frameworks for AI relates to Target 9.2 of SDG 9 and Target 16.10 of SDG 16.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article primarily focuses on discussing the issues and challenges related to AI, rather than providing specific indicators for measuring progress.

Overall, the article highlights the need to address the potential disruptions caused by AI and to develop regulations and frameworks to ensure its responsible development and use. While no specific indicators are mentioned, progress towards the identified targets can be measured through various indicators related to employment rates, skills development, inclusive industrialization, and access to information and fundamental freedoms.

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Source: tech.slashdot.org

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