'We can only realise benefits of AI, if we're very aware of risks'

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), with millions using generative tools like chatbots and image generators, comes with a hefty price tag. Princeton University professor Arvind Narayanan, in his book AI Snake Oil, calls it a "major societal problem" as consumers remain largely unaware of Al's inevitable pitfalls.

- Vishal Mathur

Speaking at a virtual session of the 22nd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Narayanan outlined several critical concerns about Al's expanding role, including how to mitigate risks, the need to guard against having AI make consequential decisions about loans, jobs and criminal justice and, crucially, the need for institutional safeguards and regulation, especially for issues like deepfakes.

"AI being widely available to consumers isn't necessarily bad. For the first time, anyone can access powerful AI systems previously available only to companies and governments. That's largely positive. But, we can only realise the benefits if we're very aware of the risks," said Narayanan.

Narayanan's research work revolves around tempering what many see as reckless cheerleading of new technologies without adequate safeguards. On the AI front, Narayanan believes that as is natural with anything new, problems are not immediately clear to everyone.

"People need better information about these systems' limitations, and companies need to be more transparent about them. For risks like deepfakes, we need regulation. It's not enough to expect responsible use-there will always be bad actors," he said.