Big Tech just released some new artificial intelligence products that are definitely interesting, but they’re also making some big mistakes right out of the gate. These companies, like Google, OpenAI, and Amazon, are rushing to get their latest AI developments into the hands of consumers before they’re fully ready. And it’s showing in the flaws.
Google’s Bard chatbot, for example, claims to be able to summarize files from Gmail and Google Docs, but users quickly noticed that it was making up emails that were never sent. OpenAI’s Dall-E 3 image generator also received criticism when people pointed out that the images in the official demos were missing important details. And Amazon’s conversational mode for Alexa even messed up in a demo, recommending a museum in the wrong part of the country.
These tech giants are in a race to dominate the world of “generative” AI, which can create humanlike text and images. They want as many people as possible to use their products because more users means more data, which ultimately leads to better AI. But experts and even tech executives themselves have warned about the dangers of releasing technology that is still new and untested.
The tech companies argue that they’ve been upfront about the fact that their AI products are a work in progress. They claim to have implemented guardrails to prevent offensive or biased statements. However, the rush to release these products is in direct contrast to the warnings from experts who have compared the risks of AI to nuclear weapons and pandemics.
Regulators are taking notice of the flawed rollout of AI products. Congress has held meetings and hearings on AI, and there have been proposed bills to regulate the technology. In Europe, lawmakers are moving forward with regulation to ban certain uses of AI and create strict rules for the industry. The UK government is also planning a summit on AI to discuss global cooperation.
Regulation is necessary, but there must also be room for companies to innovate and create beneficial technology. It’s a balancing act. The companies need to be smart about how they navigate the regulatory environment while still allowing for innovation.
Overall, the AI products being released by Big Tech have potential, but they need more time and testing before they are truly ready for prime time. Rushing out these products can lead to serious flaws and risks. So, let’s hope that the tech giants take the necessary precautions to ensure that their AI is safe and reliable before putting it in the hands of consumers.
