Chapter 1: The Ethical Quandary of AI

Recently, Jensen Huang, the CEO of chip manufacturer Nvidia, announced that the company would cease selling GPUs to entities involved in unethical ventures. "We only sell to customers that contribute positively," he stated, highlighting how the widely recognized ChatGPT chatbot relied on numerous Nvidia chips during its training.

This assertion raises some valid concerns for at least two reasons.

First, as Huang himself acknowledges, Nvidia is a supplier rather than an operator of AI systems. Much like a pen manufacturer cannot control how its products are used—whether for crafting art or plotting crimes—Nvidia holds limited power over the applications of its technologies.

Second, the dichotomy of good versus bad in AI applications is often murky.

Is it morally acceptable to leverage AI to displace millions of workers? If an AI system helps a corporation take the bare minimum actions against climate change or to improve employee welfare, is that unethical or merely a savvy business strategy?

Furthermore, consider AI that tunes into consumer preferences and subtly guides them toward purchasing decisions. Such technology could envelop individuals in a curated universe of choices—exclusively tailored to promote sales, all under the guise of convenience.

Are chatbots that analyze and amplify political messages intended to provoke outrage or fundraise unethical, or simply strategic politics? Is the deception of a deepfake video fundamentally different from the falsehoods exchanged in political discourse? What one person perceives as conviction, another may view as propaganda. So, will AI be the arbiter of truth in these scenarios?

To his credit, Huang does advocate for government oversight but follows with the conventional tech industry sentiment that lawmakers must comprehend the technology before enacting regulations.

This stance suggests a reluctance for any substantial regulatory measures.

Do you believe that members of Congress possess a deep understanding of how heart valves function? Or how telecommunication systems operate? Setting aside technology, can they even grasp the intricacies of complex financial products? A U.S. Supreme Court justice once remarked he couldn't define pornography but recognized it when he encountered it.

Governments must grasp the implications and effects of technologies, striving to identify both intended and unintended results. The technology itself serves merely as a catalyst for these necessary discussions and analyses. We have successfully regulated railroads without Congress needing to understand the workings of steam engines.

In the end, those who create AI technologies, or are eager to profit from their sale and operation, typically show little inclination to see their innovations constrained. They certainly do not desire meaningful limitations on either development or utilization.

Don't expect Nvidia to flag an unethical AI client anytime soon, nor anticipate any significant AI regulations emerging from Congress.

The complexity of the subject is paralyzing, and the allure of potential profits is captivating.

This scenario appears to encapsulate a deeply unethical project.

Chapter 2: The Role of Regulation in AI

The first video title is What is an Ethical Artificial Intelligence? Mozilla Explains - YouTube. This video delves into the principles of ethical AI, discussing the need for responsible design and application in technology to ensure a positive impact on society.

The second video title is 6 Unethical Facts about the AI - YouTube. This video highlights various unethical practices and implications surrounding AI technologies, prompting viewers to consider the moral responsibilities of developers and users alike.