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As chairman of the Kentucky House Committee on Small Business and Information Technology, I oversee not only state government’s use of information technology, but how it is used in our daily lives. I’m watching closely as advances in artificial intelligence blur the lines between reality and science fiction. I’m not alone, even those in the industry are concerned that the explosion of usage may be beyond our ability to use wisely. So what is artificial intelligence? It is defined as “the concept and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision making, and translation between languages.”

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a double-edged sword. While AI holds the promise of transformative growth, we must face the inherent risks to ensure a safe and ethical future. From biased decision-making to job displacement and privacy risks, the potential risks of AI demand our immediate attention.

AI systems are trained using vast amounts of data, which inadvertently perpetuates biases in society. If left unchecked, AI algorithms can amplify these biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in critical areas such as employment practices, criminal justice, and financial lending. Such discrimination reinforces existing social injustices and exacerbates discrimination against marginalized communities. Mitigating this risk requires strict oversight, diverse perspectives, and ongoing algorithm evaluation. Transparency, fairness and accountability must be prioritized to ensure AI systems are free from inherent bias.

As AI systems automate routine tasks, concerns arise from job displacement and worsening economic inequality. Traditional jobs may become obsolete, particularly affecting low-skilled workers. This in turn leads to unemployment, economic disruption and growing income inequality. To address this risk, capacity building is essential. Governments, educational institutions, and businesses must collaborate to provide training programs that equip workers with the skills they need in the AI-driven economy. Additionally, implementing policies such as universal basic income may be important to mitigate the effects of job displacement and reduce economic inequality.

AI’s ability to process vast amounts of personal data raises concerns about privacy and security. With AI-driven systems collecting and analyzing sensitive data, the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches and misuse of personal data increases. This threatens individual privacy, personal freedom and even democratic processes. To mitigate these risks, strong data protection regulations should be developed. Transparency, informed consent and reliable data management practices must be implemented. Organizations must prioritize data privacy and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect individual data from malicious actors. Balancing innovation with privacy protection is critical to maintaining trust in AI systems.

The development of AI-powered autonomous weapons raises deep ethical concerns. These devices have the ability to make decisions and engage in combat without human intervention, which exposes them to unpredictable consequences and catastrophic misuse. The lack of human judgment and accountability creates ethical problems, violates the principles of proportionality and diversity in armed conflicts. Governments around the world should engage in responsible governance and establish international agreements to regulate the development and deployment of autonomous weapons. Ethical considerations, human control, and adherence to international humanitarian law must guide the use of AI in military applications.

While AI holds great promise, its risks cannot be ignored. Addressing bias and discrimination, job displacement, privacy concerns, and ethical implications requires collective action. Responsible development, clear regulation, and thoughtful decision-making are essential to harnessing the benefits of AI while protecting human security. By confronting these risks, we can create an AI-powered future that prioritizes ethics, justice, and human values.

If you want proof of what questions the advancement of AI can bring, consider this – all but the first paragraph of this article was written by a popular AI technology called ChatGPT. can you tell him Was it clear? Can you see the danger potential? It’s very challenging, right?

Like lighting the first flame, learning to master AI requires discipline, oversight, and accountability at the state, national, and international levels.

The discussion on this will continue, and I hope you feel free to reach me anytime via the toll-free line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at Phillip.Pratt@lrc.ky.gov.

Rep. Philip Pratt, R-Georgetown

Rep. Philip Pratt, R-Georgetown

Rep. Philip Pratt, R-Georgetown, Ky., represents the 62nd House District in Scott County.

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