The risks posed by intelligent devices will soon surpass the magnitude of those associated with natural disasters. Tens of billions of connected sensors are being embedded in everything ranging from industrial robots and safety systems to self-driving cars and refrigerators. At the same time, the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are evolving rapidly. Our growing reliance on so many intelligent, connected devices is opening up the possibility of global-scale shutdowns.
We Need to Approach AI Risks Like We Do Natural Disasters
The risks posed by intelligent devices will soon surpass the magnitude of those associated with natural disasters. Tens of billions of connected sensors are being embedded in everything ranging from industrial robots and safety systems to self-driving cars and refrigerators. At the same time, the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are evolving rapidly. Our growing reliance on so many intelligent, connected devices is opening up the possibility of global-scale shutdowns. The good news is that natural disasters, which are estimated to have caused $330 billion in economic losses globally in 2017, provide a template for how to mitigate catastrophic risk. It’s not too late to prepare for AI disasters if companies, insurers, and policymakers can focus on building up society’s resilience. Like they have when it comes to extreme weather and natural disasters, companies should begin to establish international protocols and standards to govern AI not just within their own walls, but also working with other companies, insurers, and policymakers.