Global AI Summit Confronts the Threat of Misinformation and Deepfakes

Experts Gather to Forge Pathways for Ethical AI Usage and Robust Governance

MOHAN KHOUND

AI is taking on roles as diverse as being a wingman, a love guru, a matchmaker, and even a virtual partner. Online dating is often characterized by endless swiping, empty conversations, and an imbalance of matches

At the recent AI for Good Summit hosted in Geneva, a pivotal UN conference dedicated to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for global benefits, over 25,000 participants from 145 countries, including AI enthusiasts and robots, discussed critical issues such as misinformation and deepfakes.

This annual event, recognized as the UN’s premier platform for promoting AI to advance global development priorities, highlighted not only the potential of AI but also the pressing challenges that accompany its widespread adoption.

Global AI Summit Confronts the Threat of Misinformation and Deepfakes

Frederic Werner, the Head of Strategic Engagement at the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), emphasized the urgent need to develop international standards to tackle misinformation effectively.

He introduced potential techniques like watermarking – an invisible digital signature that verifies the authenticity of digital media. “This could be instrumental in determining whether a photograph, video, or audio has been altered or AI-generated,” Werner explained.

With the Sustainable Development Goals’ deadline looming in less than a decade, the Summit explored how AI could accelerate progress across various sectors. Prior to the conference, a full day was dedicated to discussing AI governance, underscoring its significance in the safe deployment of AI technologies.

The Summit also marked a vibrant venue for the Neural Network, an online community initiated by AI for Good, which connects 30,000 individuals from 180 nations, including academics, industry leaders, and experts, to collaborate and share insights on AI’s potential and pitfalls.

Amidst the high-tech discussions, attendees encountered Desdemona or “Desi,” an AI-powered humanoid social robot who advocates for the responsible use of AI in combating deepfakes. “The power of deepfakes is daunting, but we must not let fear overpower us. Rather, we should invest in developing tools to detect these fakes and continue educating about the importance of information verification,” Desi asserted

AI systems equipped with sophisticated algorithms to identify deepfakes can serve as crucial assets in the battle against misinformation. The Summit served as a converging point for stakeholders from industry, government, and academia to blueprint ethical frameworks ensuring AI advancements adhere to human rights and the rule of law.

Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence, highlighted the social engineering aspect of misinformation. “Misinformation often involves creating fake profiles to propagate certain viewpoints, engaging users in ways that skew their perception of reality,” she explained. Chowdhury stressed that while identifying deepfakes is vital, it forms only a part of the comprehensive solution needed.

The discussions at the Summit reaffirmed the consensus that the transformative power of AI should not be left unchecked or monopolized by those seeking to exploit it for personal gain. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, advocated for robust governance to democratize AI, ensuring it benefits all societal segments equitably.

This year’s Summit not only attracted a diverse international audience at the ITU headquarters but also engaged a vast online community, reflecting the global enthusiasm and concern surrounding AI’s trajectory. With 10,000 in-person registrants and numerous others participating virtually, the event facilitated over 80 sessions, including keynotes and workshops, focusing on ethical AI utilization.

As AI technology advances rapidly, the Summit underscored the critical need for vigilance, regulation, and global cooperation to harness AI’s capabilities for the public good while mitigating its risks. The collective expertise and ethical discourse fostered at the Summit pave the way for a future where AI acts as a force for positive change and social equity, rather than a source of potential disruption and inequality.

01-06-2024

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