1. Lecture 27 Social & Legal Issues (S&G, ch. 14)
2/23/2019 5:02 PM
Lecture 27
Social & Legal Issues
(S&G, ch. 14)
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CS Lecture 27

2. Social Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Lecture 27
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Social Implications of Artificial Intelligence
From Iconic Face Project at MIT
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3. Kismet (Brooks’ Lab, MIT)
Responds to a face with a happy expression
Responds to rapidly moving face with disgusted expression
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4. Kismet (Brooks’ Lab, MIT)
Example of three-way conversational interaction
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5. Social Implications of AI
Elimination of jobs
Replacing human judgment by machine judgment
Altering our understanding of ourselves
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6. Consider Computers that are More Intelligent than Humans
Suppose it’s impossible
establishing this would require some kind of scientific proof that a computer cannot emulate a brain, or that a brain is not sufficient for intelligence
in either case, a major scientific breakthrough
Suppose it’s possible
could displace us in all intellectual activities
if we had nothing to do, what would it mean to be human?
would/should humans be obsolete?
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7. Computer Enhancements of Humans
Lecture 27
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Computer Enhancements of Humans
Computers are already embedded in humans to correct problems
pacemakers, cochlear implants, etc.
Computers have also been embedded for enhancing human abilities
This technology may advance very quickly
How does this affect our understanding of human ability and accomplishment
analogy: use of performance-enhancing drugs
Examples: suppose visual acuity could be enhanced; would allow athletes to use?
How about neuromuscular coord?
How about enhanced cognitive abilities?
Graded on same curve? Compete for college admission?
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8. Social & Legal Issues
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9. Promethean Fire “All technology is non-neutral”
Technologies influence focus & action
Computer technology has:
social benefits
social costs
Often, issues are not peculiar to computers, but are amplified by computer technology
Sometimes problems arise from using computers as they are intended to be used
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10. Privacy Government databases (federal & state) Computer matching
Computer profiling
Open & closed files
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11. Uses of Personal Data Marketing Decision making Other uses:
secondary use
invisible information gathering
information from children
“Information underground”
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12. Example: Google Mail
Google.com is introducing a new, free service
Why?
By scanning the content of your s, they will be able to compile a profile of your interests
Then they will be able to present advertisements targeted to you
A way of bringing you only the information you are potentially interested in and stimulating business?
An invasion of privacy?
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13. Protecting Privacy Access control Audit trails Encryption
Ethical use policies
Informed consent
Regulation
Ownership of data
Contracts
Markets, options & consumer pressure
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14. Computer Error Overdependence on computers
Example illustrating issues: computerized voting
ampliative & reductive
Major failures
Lesser failures
Limitations of computer simulation
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15. Simulation & Models Recall our discussion of models:
a model is intended to address a certain class of questions or issues
models make simplifying assumptions
Recall the omission of aerodynamic stability from bridge models before the Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster
Nevertheless, computer models & simulations are essential
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16. Evaluating Models How well is the underlying science understood?
What sorts of simplifying assumptions are made?
How well does the model agree with experimental results?
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17. Lecture 27
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Computer Crime
Often just a new or “better” way to commit traditional crimes
Ampliative aspects of computer technology
may allow committing crimes on a larger scale
Reductive aspects of computer technology
may make it harder to detect crimes, identify criminals, etc.
Ampliative: in past, could steal only one (or a wallet’s worth) of credit cards at a time;
now can steal hundreds of thousands of numbers at one time
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18. Some Kinds of Computer Crime
Lecture 27
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Some Kinds of Computer Crime
Fraud, embezzlement & theft
Stealing (data)
“Hacking” (system cracking)
individual systems
the information infrastructure
benign hacking?
Viruses & worms: reproduce selves
virus: hides in another program
worm: an independent program
It is difficult to get accurate data on the extent of these crimes, since victims (businesses) tend to hide them.
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19. Constitutional & Civil Liberties Issues
1st Amendment protects freedom of speech & press
4th Amendment protects against unreasonable search & seizure
Do they apply to electronic & other new media?
So far, the courts generally have held them to apply, but there is much uncertainty
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20. Communication Media
Is the operator of a communication medium responsible for the information it carries?
analogy: telephone companies & post office
analogy: a privately-owned meeting room
Can the operator restrict this information?
analogy: private presses
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21. Encryption & Wiretapping
Encryption can be used to ensure privacy & authenticity
may be used for legal/illegal purposes
May be subject to export restrictions
What provisions should be made for government interception & recording of communications?
What limits should be imposed on the government
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22. These issues are especially relevant since passage of “USA PATRIOT” Act
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