Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized deep fakes as a significant worry regarding artificial intelligence. Deep fakes refer to deceptive content that appears authentic but is actually fabricated.
Smith’s speech aimed to tackle the issue of regulating AI, which has transitioned from a niche field to widespread adoption with advancements like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. He called for measures to ensure that people can distinguish between real and AI-generated photos or videos, especially when they are created for malicious purposes.
“We must confront the challenges posed by deep fakes, particularly our primary concerns surrounding foreign cyber influence operations conducted by governments such as Russia, China, and Iran,” Smith expressed.
He further stressed the need to take steps in safeguarding legitimate content from alteration, which could deceive or defraud individuals through the utilization of AI.Additionally, Smith advocated for licensing critical forms of AI with specific obligations to protect security, including physical security, cybersecurity, and national security.
“We require a new generation of export controls or an evolution of the existing controls to prevent the theft or unauthorized use of these models, violating a country’s export control regulations,” he asserted.
While lawmakers in Washington have grappled with enacting appropriate laws to regulate AI, various companies, both large and small, have been racing to bring increasingly versatile AI technologies to the market.
Just last week, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (backed by Microsoft), appeared before a Senate panel and highlighted concerns about the use of AI interfering with election integrity, stressing the necessity for regulation. Altman also called for global cooperation on AI and incentives to ensure safety compliance.
In line with his speech, Smith emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for any adverse consequences arising from AI. He urged lawmakers to implement safety mechanisms to retain human control over AI systems used in critical infrastructure, such as the electric grid and water supply.
