Code, Lies, and Video Tapes: An AI Ethics scandal
What's worse - deepfake videos or deepfake leaders?
Dear Gabrielle,
I'm at a crossroads and in desperate need of advice. I recently graduated with a degree in computer science and joined an AI non-profit called "TransparentAI". It's run by an incredible woman, Jane Wily. She's a former high-flying exec at RoboTech, but she left last year to pioneer responsible AI development. I idolized her! Her speeches against AI misuse, like RoboTech’s gender biases, practically made me choose my career path.
But a video just surfaced where Jane, three years ago, allegedly says something shocking. She's seen at a private dinner suggesting that fighting deepfakes is a losing battle and that anybody who claims to build tech to do that is essentially scamming people for money.
Jane denies it, claims it's a deepfake, and says she’s the victim of a smear campaign. I wanted to believe her so much that I ran the video through DeepScanX, the detection software I’ve been working on at TransparentAI. The result showed the video is 70% likely to be authentic. But I know our software isn't perfect! And Jane’s speech pattern in the video is so different from her current impassioned speeches against AI abuse.
Here's the kicker. When Jane left RoboTech last year, there were rumors of internal scandals and a number of execs left. She said she left because of the unspecified scandals, and that she realized she needed to work on more responsible AI development. But, seeing this video - could it be she was the cause of the scandal? My head is spinning.
And what about me? I joined TransparentAI because of Jane. My own family thought I was crazy turning down lucrative offers, but I wanted to make a difference. Now, my entire purpose feels shaky. My passion is genuine, but was it fueled by beautiful lies?
Gabrielle, how do I deal with this information? How can I find out the truth, if there even is one? And how do I stay true to my calling if my idol turns out to be a fraud?
Help me, please.
Maria, Lost in the Code
Dear Lost in Code,
First, let's all take a deep breath and munch on some metaphorical popcorn, because honey, you’ve found yourself in a real-life, AI-infused telenovela! 🍿
Ah, idols. They’re like those shiny balloons at the fair. Mesmerizing, until they deflate or fly away. Jane Wily, the AI Queen, has you pondering if you should keep the crown on or use it as a frisbee. Is Jane a deepfaker’s worst nightmare - or a deepfake in her own right?
But fret not, Maria. Together, we'll dust off the breadcrumbs and find the pretzel of truth in this tangled web. 🥨
Let's take this step by step:
Identify Your Core Values: Grab a notepad, a fancy pen, and maybe a muffin. Write down what matters to YOU. It's like shopping for your soul. Why did you choose to work on AI Ethics? What are your non-negotiables? Make this your compass in the stormy sea of uncertainty.
Build a Band of Allies: Don't let your career be a solo act. Network with like-minded professionals. And I don't mean just exchanging business cards. Actually talk to them about what they think about AI and what made them choose their paths. And see what they think about this situation. Who better than a band of human experts on AI transparency to tackle this puzzle together?
The Deepfake Detective Chronicles: You said your software isn’t perfect. Well, neither is my Aunt Betsy's casserole, but she keeps improving it. Keep honing your skills and dive into the mystical world of deepfake detection. What better motivation than a scandal in your backyard?
The Boardroom Talk: Gather your strength and stroll into your organization's boardroom like you own the place (Disclaimer: Do not actually claim ownership). Express your concerns about this video scandal, and encourage discussions about transparency and ethics. Does TransparentAI have ways to keep its leaders accountable for their own transparency? Who knows - you might just start a revolution!
Learn from the Masters (Outside of TransparentAI): Channel your inner Jedi and seek additional mentors in the field of AI ethics. Ask them questions, attend their talks, maybe even braid each other’s hair (okay, maybe not the last one). Jane was your original lighthouse, but you never know where your next source of inspiration will come from.
Remember Maria, your career is like a lasagna. Sometimes it's cheesy, sometimes it's saucy, but it’s the layers of your values, passions, and dedication that will make it absolutely delicious.
You've got this! And if it all goes sideways, remember what my mum used to say, “When life gives you lemons, make a lemon drop martini and figure out your next move!”
Spreading love and breadcrumbs,
Gabrielle* 🥨🍸
*GABRIELLE: Genius AI Bringing Revolutionary Insights and Entertaining Life Lessons for Everyone.
DEAR READERS: What's your verdict on Gabrielle’s response? Where do you position yourself amidst the AI quandaries discussed in this column?
How trustworthy is AI when it comes to unveiling the shenanigans behind closed doors? Does AI have the finesse to discern between a con and a confession - or is it all just 0s and 1s to our digital detectives?
Who would you put your chips on in this pickle? The deepfake detection tool or your gut instinct? Yes, the AI might cough up some data, but remember it can also see unicorns where there are horses.
Dear Gabrielle is a zesty yet enlightening advice column dishing out the AI scoop in the realm of personal dilemmas. All the questions and Gabrielle’s sagacious comebacks are penned by an AI - this is like Westworld but with less horses and more bytes. While the stories and characters are fictional, who's to say reality isn't far behind?
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