This Article is written byv Hamdan, a Fourth Year Law Student of University Law College, Quetta

Introduction

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a crucial era in human history. It promises revolutionary advancements and changes across several domains. From healthcare and education to technology, and entertainment, it possesses the tendency to revolutionize our lives. Like the rest of the powerful technologies, the rise of artificial intelligence, too, raises ethical, social, moral, cultural, and economic concerns. This article aims to explore the potential negatives and challenges of artificial intelligence and provides suggestions regarding the regulation of AI.

The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence brings great benefits to the world. But, if it is not regulated properly, it could undermine the basic human qualities, such as autonomy and personal agency. As algorithm-driven systems become more powerful, human interactions may be overshadowed or substituted by AI-based communication. This could diminish humans' credibility and authenticity. The potential ability of AI to manipulate emotions and influence decisions could undermine our free will. It raises critical questions about the protection of individuals and their over technology.[1]

One of the biggest concerns about artificial intelligence is its potential to enhance social inequality. As AI systems/models are developing and they are getting more complex, there is a great risk that they are maintaining or reinforcing partiality in the data on which they are trained. This can lead to decision-making in various aspects such as employment, lending, and criminal justice, and the reduction of vulnerable or less privileged groups.[2]

Furthermore, the speedy development of AI raises concerns regarding its impact on the labor market. AI can perform everyday tasks using machines instead of human beings which may take away jobs, particularly in areas that rely greatly on manual or repetitive tasks. This can, greatly, increase economic inequality and social unrest in the society. Due to this, hundreds and thousands of people could lose their jobs.

The major concerns associated with AI are the privacy and security of the people. Since AI systems gather and process large amounts of data (personal data), there is a great risk that such data could be exploited and misused against these people. This can have unimaginable consequences for individuals and organizations, compromising their privacy and security.

Moreover, the development of AI-based weapons raises ethical and moral concerns about the potential for AI to be used in conflicts and wars. Al Such systems could be deployed in warfare without human monitoring, and it could lead to unexpected consequences and humanitarian disasters.[3]. Recently, Al Jazeera English published a research-based documentary on YouTube, titled: "Investigating War Crimes in Gaza." In the documentary, it is claimed that Israel has used Artificial Intelligence in the Palestine-Israel conflict. To locate the areas where they should strike, Artificial Intelligence was used instead of human beings. And, wherever there was a movement or gathering of people more than 100, it would send a beep or a message that this is the area to be attacked. AI could not differentiate between innocent civilians and members of the Hamas group; therefore, indiscriminate killings have taken place in Gaza. Even the declared safe zones and aid groups have attacked and killed.[4]

Yuval Noah Harari's Warning

Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned Israeli historian, writer, intellectual, and author, has warned us, human beings, regarding the potential dangers of AI. Harari, in one of his articles published in The Guardian, warns the world that AI could be a great threat to liberal democracy and has the tendency to divide the world. According to him, Artificial Intelligence is the most dangerous thing humans have ever developed in the known history. As it has the ability and capability to make decisions and create new and unique ideas on its own. Such ideas and designs could lead to the loss of human rights and knowledge and could undermine democratic and political institutions.

AI is learning very fast. It has learned human languages and has better command over human languages than an ordinary person. It is getting more complicated and self-regulatory. It is transforming from Artificial Intelligence to Alien Intelligence. Harari compares AI with nuclear weapons and calls it deadlier than the deadliest known weapons. Nuclear weapons, indeed, are dangerous, but they are regulated and controlled by human beings. A nuclear weapon does not develop another nuclear weapon nor does it upgrade or improve itself. But, that is not the case with AI, as it has the potential to develop and upgrade itself. This raises concerns about AI's ability to develop potential goals that are incompatible with human values and interests, leading to consequences that are beyond our imagination.[5]

Ethical Frameworks and Governance of AI

It is crucial to develop ethical frameworks and governance structures to reduce the risks associated with artificial intelligence. These frameworks and regulating structures must ensure their safe development and distribution. This includes establishing proper guidelines for privacy, fairness, and transparency. Furthermore, international cooperation among powerful actors and entities is necessary to address the global challenges and threats posed by AI.

Deeper Implications of AI

While the aforementioned concerns are immediate and alarming, it is quite necessary to recognize and understand that the implications of AI extend beyond such issues. AI possesses the potential to change the basic nature of human existence. It could challenge our understanding of knowledge, morals, consciousness, consciousness, and the meaning of life itself.

AI systems are growing at an explosive pace, and they are getting more complicated. There is a possibility that they may develop their unique consciousness, an alien consciousness. This alien consciousness and intelligence could raise questions about their rights and interests. It could lead to an era where humans coexist with intelligent AI entities. And, such Alien Intelligence could overpower humans. Human beings could lose their liberty and freedom to a creature that they created.

In addition, further advancement of AI could lead to the intersection of technologies. For example, biotechnology and nanotechnology could lead to unprecedented societal and ethical challenges. For instance, genetic engineering powered by AI could raise concerns about the creation of designer babies. The beauty of imperfection, diversity, and uniqueness could be substituted by robotic perfection.

The Role of Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence:

Given the discussed challenges, it is very important for us (human beings) to shape and design the development of AI. We, humans, need to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a manner that is in accordance and conformity with our values and interests. This requires serious efforts from the world. Powerful entities, authorities, organizations, and groups need to create ethical and moral guidelines regarding the regulation of AI. They have to promote awareness and public discourse on the potential effects of AI.

Moreover, investing in education and training is crucial for us to provide people with the skills and knowledge that are necessary to regulate AI. This includes the development of critical thinking, global awareness, digital literacy, and understanding the ethical usage of artificial intelligence. We must ensure that we regulate AI before it regulates us. The world needs to act quickly and seriously.[6]

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the emergence of AI brings both opportunities and challenges for humanity. Undoubtedly, AI has the potential to make our lives easier in multiple ways. But, it also possesses a great amount of risk. To make sure that AI is developed and used responsibly and for the betterment of humanity, it is quite necessary to address the ethical, moral, cultural, social, political, and economic concerns raised by its development. We can use AI for the benefit of humanity by developing ethical guidelines, promoting international cooperation, and promoting public awareness.

References

[1] PEW Research Center, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of Humans (PEW Research Center, 10 December 2018) <https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/12/10/artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-humans/> accessed 13 October 2024.

[2] V, P. (2024). Is Artificial Intelligence a boon or bane? Fegno Technologies. [https://www.fegno.com/is-artificial-intelligence-a-boon-or-bane/](https://www.fegno.com/is-artificial-intelligence-a-boon-or-bane/)

[3] Michael Cheng-Tek Tai, The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Society and Bioethics (PMC PubMed Central, 14 August 2020) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605294/ accessed 13 October 2024.

[4] Al Jazeera English, 'Investigating war crimes in Gaza | Al Jazeera Investigations' (October 4, 2024) https://youtu.be/kPE6vbKix6A?si=MHcm_-NS_ArmH432.

[5] Harari, Y. N. (2024). Never summon a power you can’t control’: Yuval Noah Harari on how AI could threaten democracy and divide the world. The Guardian. [https://amp.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/24/yuval-noah-harari-ai-book-extract-nexus](https://amp.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/24/yuval-noah-harari-ai-book-extract-nexus)

[6] Praveena V, ‘Is Artificial Intelligence a Boon or Bane?’ (Fegno Technologies) https://www.fegno.com/is-artificial-intelligence-a-boon-or-bane/ accessed 13 October 2024.