The use – and misuse – of artificial intelligence (AI) has never been as hot and controversial a topic as it is right now. While innocent fun can be had creating images of outlandish scenarios, AI has become a global threat, far beyond selling dental plans. This threat has reached the highest levels of the US government, with President Joe Biden growing increasingly concerned, especially after screening “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” at Camp David.
According to deputy White House chief of staff, Bruce Reed (as per the Associated Press), Joe Biden’s screening of “Dead Reckoning” may have been a turning point for him. Reed stated, “If he hadn’t already been concerned about what could go wrong with AI before that movie, he saw plenty more to worry about.” For those who haven’t contributed to the movie’s $560+ million worldwide box office haul, “Dead Reckoning” depicts an artificial intelligence system that becomes sentient. AI even indirectly affected the release date of “Dead Reckoning Part Two,” as its usage within the industry is one of the sticking points in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
On the topic of AI as a whole, Joe Biden is evidently quite disturbed by its possibilities. Reed stated, “He was as impressed and alarmed as anyone…He saw fake AI images of himself and his dog. He saw how it can create bad poetry. And he has seen and heard the incredible and terrifying technology of voice cloning, which can take three seconds of your voice and turn it into an entire fake conversation.”
Reflecting his concerns, earlier this week, Joe Biden signed an executive order concerning artificial intelligence. The White House states that the executive order “establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more.”
For what it’s worth, Joe Biden’s favorite movie is 1981’s “Chariots of Fire,” and it is safe to assume he might have a problem with “Home Alone 2”.
