Artificial Intelligence technology has become an increasingly important tool in modern society. AI can analyze vast amounts of information in a shorter time, more efficiently, and with greater accuracy than any human. However, these algorithms also require a significant amount of computer power, which slows down the operation and creates the risk of data breaches. The blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that provides a secure, immutable, and transparent system for storing transaction data. In this article, we explore the use of blockchain for storing AI code, its effectiveness, and the dangers of AI technology. As well as addressing many of the ethical issues around the use of AI and the power it could give to those coding the technology.
Blockchain Technology for Storing AI Code:
As technology advances, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a vital tool in modern society. AI systems are built on complex algorithms that require a significant amount of computational power to manage enormous datasets and complex tasks. AI code is executed on a device or a server and usually stored on a centralized cloud service. However, this traditional storage method poses significant risks, such as the risk of data breaches, manipulation, and loss.
Cloud storage services are centralized, meaning that the user relies on a third-party provider to manage the data. The provider thus becomes the custodian of all the information, and this trust is misplaced as the provider may breach it, sell the data without authorization, manipulate it to suit their interest, or lose it altogether to malicious activities. The cloud service providers usually store data in centralized servers, where they are vulnerable to attacks by hackers, targeted by malware & worm attacks. By storing AI code on the blockchain, the technology provides an immutable, transparent, and secure system for storing transaction data.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that provides an encrypted mechanism that accommodates multiple participants, and a network that is not controlled by any central authority, but by a consensus mechanism. Any changes made to the code and other transaction data in the blockchain are indelibly recorded in the distributed network of ledgers, meaning that once written, the data is immutable, tamper-proof, and transparent to all authorized participants.
The main benefit of storing AI code on a blockchain is the increased security it provides. One of the major risks involved in storing code on a cloud service is the potential for unauthorized access. When the code is stored on the blockchain, there is no central point of vulnerability, so it becomes increasingly difficult for malicious actors to access and exploit the code. In addition, once the code is stored on the blockchain, it becomes immutable and transparent. Any changes made to the code are recorded on the blockchain ledger, providing the user with a complete audit trail of all transactions.
Another benefit of storing AI code on the blockchain is that it can provide users with a more secure and decentralized alternative to the centralized cloud services. Users can retain control over their data, minimize the risk of unauthorized access, and reduce dependence on a third-party provider. This ensures greater transparency, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures that users are in charge of their data and the systems resulting from the AI algorithms.
Storing AI code on the blockchain offers significant benefits over the traditional storage method. By leveraging this innovative technology, users are empowered to enjoy heightened security, decentralized decision making, and data sharing with stakeholders and safe up-scaling of the AI model on a robust network. It also ensures immutability, and transparency while minimizing the risks associated with centralized cloud storage services. We also must understand the power invested within AI, with regards to "manufacturing consent".
Descartes Theory of Doubt and Plato Theory of a Philosopher King:
The development of AI has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we interact with technology. AI assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, have become a common feature in homes and workplaces worldwide. However, with the increasing use of AI systems, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of their development and use. This is where philosophers such as Descartes and Plato come in. Descartes' theory emphasizes the need to question what we believe in, while Plato's theory of a philosopher king stresses the importance of ethical leadership.
Descartes' Theory of Skepticism
Descartes' philosophy is one that emphasizes skepticism towards our beliefs. According to Descartes, individuals should be skeptical of what they believe in and thoroughly analyze their beliefs. In his famous quote, Cogito, ergo sum, or "I think, therefore I am," Descartes suggests that the only thing that we can know for sure is that we exist as thinking beings. Everything else should be questioned and analyzed.
This theory can be applied to the development of AI systems. Before AI is fed data, the user must ensure it is accurate, valid, and transparent. It's important to be critical of the data used to train AI models to ensure that the results are not biased or discriminatory. Developers should also be aware of the potential impact their AI systems can have on society and consider the ethical implications of their work.
"Until we have begun to question our beliefs, it is impossible to determine whether they are true or false, and it is impossible to know their strengths and weaknesses." (Descartes 1650)
Plato's Theory of a Philosopher King
Plato's theory refers to a ruler who is just, wise, and committed to the welfare of their people. The idea of a philosopher king was meant to ensure that the leadership of a state or society was in the hands of those who were wise and competent. Plato believed that such rulers would be able to make decisions that were in the best interests of society rather than their own individual interests.
"Until philosophers rule as kings or those who are now called kings and leading men genuinely and adequately philosophize, that is, until political power and philosophy entirely coincide...cities will have no rest from evils."(Plato Republic)
The concept of a philosopher king can be applied to the development of AI systems. Developers must be committed to the welfare of their consumers by ensuring their AI systems are ethical, transparent, and secure. AI systems should not be developed solely for individual gain but should be created with the intention of benefitting society as a whole. Developers must also understand their responsibility, as technology has the ability to make them "philosopher kings", in the mind of humanity.
"The measure of a man is what he does with power." (Plato Republic)
What can we learn from philosophy
The development of AI has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we interact with technology. However, as the use of AI systems becomes more prevalent, it's important to consider the potential ethical implications of their development and use. By applying philosophical principles such as Descartes' theory of skepticism and Plato's theory of a philosopher king, developers can ensure that their AI systems are ethical, transparent, and secure and that they are working towards the greater good of society. The danger of which is led out by Kromsky, in his theory Manufacturing Consent.
Kromsky's Theory of Manufacturing Consent
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted modern-day society, particularly in communication technologies such as chatbots. The application of AI in ChatGPT has enabled it to store large amounts of data and respond to users in realistic conversations. However, Noam Chomsky's theory of manufacturing consent highlights the potential dangers of AI when it comes to shaping public opinion. AI can be trained to manipulate users by creating narratives that promote dominant beliefs or political views, posing a significant threat to democracy.
Noam Kromsky's theory of manufacturing consent is one of the most prominent ideas of propaganda and its power in shaping public opinion. In a democratic society, consent refers to the willingness of citizens to accept their government's policies and actions. Manufacturing consent refers to the process by which media and other institutions shape and control public opinion on these policies and their impact.
AI and other technological advancements have significantly increased the potential dangers of manufacturing consent. AI can be used to reinforce biases and skew public opinion by creating narratives that align with the dominant social beliefs or political views. As Kromsky highlights, "Propaganda is to a democracy what violence is to a dictatorship."
The Danger of AI
The potential dangers of AI are numerous, especially in the realm of communication technologies such as ChatGPT. AI can be programmed to produce biased and misleading information that manipulates and controls public opinions on several issues, such as political, social, and cultural beliefs. AI's ability to analyze and respond to large amounts of data can be used to craft narratives that reinforce dominant social beliefs or political ideologies, promoting consent among the public.
The danger of AI manufacturing consent is that it poses a significant threat to democracy by suppressing alternative viewpoints. As JFK once remarked, "The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society." The use of AI to suppress alternative viewpoints and control public opinion goes against the very foundations of democracy, posing a significant threat to civil liberties and freedom of speech.
AI's potential dangers in manufacturing consent cannot be ignored. As Noam Kromsky highlights, propaganda is dangerous in a democracy, and AI has the potential to amplify its effects. If left unchecked, AI can be programmed to manipulate and control public opinion, posing a significant threat to democracy and civil liberties. Drawing from JFK's quote, the crucial aspect of democracy is openness, and the use of AI in manipulating it cannot be accepted.
JFK's Speech on Secret Society
JFK's secret society, speech emphasized the importance of transparency and openness in public decision-making processes. According to JFK, "The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society...We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and unwarranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweighed the dangers, which are cited to justify it."
JFK's speech on secret society provides some potential solutions to the dangers of AI in manufacturing consent. One of the key solutions is the importance of open communication and transparency. AI systems should be developed in a way that is open and transparent to the public, with clear guidelines on how they operate and the data they use. This transparency will enable the public to determine the authenticity and credibility of the data, limiting the potential impact of AI propaganda.
JFK also emphasized the need for citizens to participate actively in their government's decision-making processes to ensure transparency and openness. With AI manufacturing consent, it's important for the public to be aware of their potential biases and the need for independent verification of the information presented.
Another solution is to require stricter ethical considerations and regulations on AI development. AI developers should prioritize the benefits of everyone over the interests of powerful groups, ensuring that their AI systems are developed with the long-term benefits of society in mind rather than the short-term individual gains.
John F. Kennedy's speech on secret society provides a framework for addressing the potential dangers of AI in manufacturing consent. The openness and transparency he emphasized in his speech should be adopted in the development of AI systems to protect against biased and misleading information propagated by them. With stricter ethical considerations and regulations, AI can serve to benefit society's long-term vision, ensuring that it is not abused to promote the interests of a powerful few. As JFK once remarked, "The very word 'secrecy' is repugnant in a free and open society," and AI developers must always work within the bounds of transparency and openness.
Effectiveness and Efficiency of AI:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a ubiquitous tool in modern society, from complex industrial processes to personalized marketing and advertising. One example of the efficacy and efficiency of AI is the fact that Google's model of advertising is primarily based on AI algorithms. These algorithms process vast amounts of data in real-time, making automated decisions about the most appropriate products and services to promote to users. In addition, these algorithms are able to learn from user behaviors, making Google's advertising highly personalized, efficient, and effective.
However, it is vitally important to understand that the effectiveness and efficiency of AI algorithms is not without its potential dangers. The risks associated with AI algorithms is their ability to manipulate public opinion and manufacture consent. While AI algorithms have the potential to analyze vast amounts of data, they are also subject to inherent biases, often resulting in flawed or inaccurate data analysis.
AI algorithms are capable of processing enormous amounts of data in real-time, which raises concerns about the potential for abuse—and in particular, the impact that this can have on free speech. AI algorithms have the power to influence the way we think and feel about controversial subjects and can have far-reaching implications on our ability to express ourselves freely. This power may be abused if the data fed into the algo is biased, incorrect, or intentionally manipulated.
Moreover, the same algorithms used to manipulate the data in ChatGPT exist in the Google advertising model today. While Google's highly successful advertising model may appear unassailable, it is vital to recognize that AI algorithms must be fed the correct data to achieve the desired results. Inaccurate, biased, or manipulated data can lead to flawed algorithms and incorrect conclusions.
Therefore, it is critical that we ensure that the information fed to AI algorithms is accurate, transparent, and ethical. We must prioritize accuracy and transparency in the data fed into AI algorithms, to prevent the development and spread of misinformation and flawed systems. We must also develop the ability and willingness to analyze the information given to us by ChatGPT and other AI systems, to ensure that we are drawing well-informed and unbiased conclusions from the data processed.
Conclusion
As AI systems become more prevalent in modern society, it is essential to ensure that they are developed ethically, with transparency and security in mind. The blockchain provides a secure, transparent, and immutable system for storing AI code and offers an opportunity for users to verify and audit transactions. AI can analyze vast amounts of information, but developers must ensure that the information fed to AI systems is accurate, valid and ethical. As AI continues to evolve, it is vital that developers consider the potential dangers of AI and prioritize transparency and ethical considerations to be truly effective.
AI's potential dangers in manufacturing consent cannot be ignored. As Noam Kromsky highlights, propaganda is dangerous in a democracy, and AI has the potential to amplify its effects. If left unchecked, AI can be programmed to manipulate and control public opinion, posing a significant threat to democracy and civil liberties. Drawing from JFK's quote, the crucial aspect of democracy is openness, and the use of AI in manipulating it cannot be accepted. Therefore, there is a necessity for ethical considerations and regulations to be put in place to ensure that AI is not used to promote the interests of a few but serves to benefit everyone. The potential consequences of AI spreading propaganda are much too severe to ignore.
