Legal regulations for artificial intelligence. Let s go back to Asimov s rights?

There is a discussion on how to regulate issues related to artificial intelligence. Lawyers, politicians and business representatives feel that existing legislation is not keeping pace with the technological advances we are experiencing. It is not properly "serviced" in legal and statutory terms. Is artificial intelligence efficiently regulated and do we need it?

Not only is it difficult for us to understand the logic of algorithms, but we also have no idea - as citizens - how modern technology is used by companies, institutions and services to monitor our lives. Should it not be accompanied by our much more explicit sense that we are protected when using computers, drones, applications, cameras and social networking sites? And that someone is watching over the situation where algorithms choose their president?

I do not think that attempts to regulate the area of ​​artificial intelligence are a hassle or a restriction on the free flow of ideas or the functioning of business. Technology that begins to develop as if without our participation, improving its operation without the intervention of the programmer, becomes a powerful force. To her, the principle of unlimited business freedom is becoming somewhat archaic and does not solve many issues.

Regulate or not

Opinions on whether to regulate the development of autonomous, intelligent technologies are obviously divided. Elon Musk regularly expresses concern about the fate of our planet and believes that we need strong mechanisms to protect people from technological threats. At the other extreme, there is a supporter of a highly liberal approach, Mark Zuckerberg (although it seems that he has recently slightly modified his views).

Generally, we meet with different attitudes in American business circles and others in Europe. The European Group on Ethics Commission is working to bring about international agreement and create a legal framework for autonomous systems. In the opinion of the commission: "... autonomous systems must not violate human freedom ... Artificial intelligence should contribute to global justice and equal access to the benefits that robotics and autonomous systems can bring."

However, it is also appropriate to point out the radically different approach to the topic we are dealing with in the case of China. In a country that wants to be a leader in the development of artificial intelligence, it is treated as a basic tool for monitoring and controlling social behavior.

Observation, education, dialogue

Experts in new technologies have an important role in the changing reality. The average citizen may want to ask them a question: can we feel - as safe people - because in our lives we are accompanied by "honest, transparent, responsible artificial intelligence"? In this last sentence, I refer to the name of one of many seminars (Fair, Transparent, and Accountable AI) organized by the organization "Partnership on AI". Her mission is to study practices related to the presence of artificial intelligence in our lives and explain to the public what is new in this area.

It is worth quoting the sentence that appears in the description of the event on the website partnershiponai.org : "Artificial intelligence can improve decision-making skills thanks to techniques that draw conclusions from large amounts of data. It can lead to breakthroughs in areas such as security, health, education, transport, sustainable development, public administration and science. However, these potential benefits are accompanied by public and specialist concerns about the damage artificial intelligence can do. "

Here are four examples (of course, there are plenty of them) that are experiencing dynamic changes under the influence of artificial intelligence. Some of them may require special regulatory mechanisms over time, so that we gain a sense of comfort when using technology.

In conflict with the law

Algorithms are used by police around the world. Artificial intelligence helps in data processing, including a lot of information related to crime, searching for people, etc. The ability to classify objects (including photos) based on specific elements is one of the many advantages of machine learning technology. And it is certainly appreciated by all services who care about quick access to important - from the point of view of the interests of the investigation - information.

Unfortunately, situations where algorithms assess the likelihood that a person will commit a crime again (which affects any parole) may lead to abuse. That is why organizations (e.g. The Law Society's Public Policy Technology and Law Commission) are being set up by lawyers whose mission is to monitor the activities of the police and courts in this area.

Fakenewsy is a common bane

It's a hot topic that has been talked about a lot lately. It raises questions about the reliability of information, the responsibility of social networking sites for their monitoring. Since 2016, which was a breakthrough when it comes to the outbreak of fakenews scandals, there is no week not to raise this issue.

Artificial intelligence has its share here, because as we know, its role in the automatic generation of content (bots) is big. I think that the reliability of information is one of the greatest challenges of our time, which can be called the era of disinformation. It definitely requires global reflection and even international cooperation. From time to time there are initiatives for reliability (eg "Pravda" by Elon Musk), but the matter is difficult. Regulations seem to be utopian here, so I do not know if we will not be facing the problem for many years.

Who rules at the conveyor belt?

Robotics in industry is one of the most emotionally treated aspects of artificial intelligence. We have a huge problem with accepting the fact that robots can become our colleagues at work (and will contribute to our unemployment).

I wrote about it many times, so I will not present here data or arguments for or against robotization. The problem is, of course, and there is nothing to pretend that the matter will calm down. On the contrary, social unrest can increase as the trend unfolds. I think that due to social consequences, defining rules in this area is extremely important. In this case, even tax mechanisms that prevent corporations from excessive robotization can be used.

Stand-alone cars

Enthusiasts support many studies, indicating that autonomous vehicles mean a lot more road safety. I agree with this thesis. Nevertheless, the question of autonomous vehicles raises questions. One of the basic issues concerns the behavior of the vehicle during an accident. Who should the algorithmic mechanisms protect especially - passengers, drivers, pedestrians? Will the driver who - for a moment of inattention - cause an accident, be able to complain to the manufacturer of the autonomous vehicle in the hope that he will win the trial? How to insure vehicles? Who is responsible for the accident, driver / passenger, vehicle owner, manufacturer or development team?

Another thing that awaits us is the future of other autonomous means of transport: airplanes, ships or cars, which will provide us with transport services without having to sit in the driver (delivery of purchases, etc.). Legislation around the world differs in the approach to autonomous car testing. However, there is discussion everywhere about how to increase the security of their users.

Technology is for people

The progress made thanks to intelligent technology is beyond dispute. But I think that in addition to business issues such as: cost optimization, efficiency, profitability, automation (they are not all positively influenced by the use of artificial intelligence), it is important to remember about less countable things. That our ordinary individual well-being, security, knowledge and fulfillment experienced when contacting new technology are the most important values. After all, technology is supposed to make us live better.

So let's carefully watch the work of experts who influence the creation of legal systems that protect us from the undesirable operation of algorithms.

Norbert Biedrzycki

Head of Services CEE, Microsoft. Manages Microsoft services in 36 countries, their scope includes business consulting and technological consulting, in particular in such areas as big data and artificial intelligence, business applications, cybersecurity, premium services and cloud. Formerly Vice President Digital McKinsey responsible for the CEE region and services combining strategic consulting and implementation of advanced IT solutions. From comprehensive digital transformation through rapid implementation of business applications, big data solutions and analysis, business applications of artificial intelligence to blockchain and IoT solutions. Earlier, Norbert was the President of the Management Board and CEO of Atos Polska, he was also the head of ABC Data SA and the President of the Management Board and CEO of Sygnity SA. Previously he also worked at McKinsey as a partner, he was the director of consulting services and Oracle's business development department.

Norbert's passion is the latest robotics technologies, applications of artificial intelligence, blockchain, VR and AR, Internet of Things, and their impact on the economy and society. You can read more about this on Norbert's blog .

Legal regulations for artificial intelligence. Let's go back to Asimov's rights?