William Hague talks to AI expert Azeem Azhar - ‘Unchecked power ends with bad outcomes’
Apr 24, 2024
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Entrepreneur and AI expert Azeem Azhar discusses the societal impact of AI, from its potential as a great equalizer to the dangers of unchecked power and the need for regulation. The conversation delves into AI advancements, potential pitfalls, power struggles in big companies, challenges of deep fakes and misinformation, and the optimistic yet cautious outlook on AI shaping the next decade.
Unchecked power in AI can lead to negative outcomes.
AI technology has the potential to equalize society and transform various sectors.
Deep dives
Introduction to AI and speaker background
Discussion starts with the guest's background in technology, highlighting his fascination with artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on global changes. The guest's experience in tech companies and academia, particularly focusing on AI's role in society and his work at Harvard and Oxford universities, provide a foundation for comprehending AI and its advancements in the modern world.
The Evolution of AI and Its Applications
The conversation delves into the evolution of AI technology, emphasizing the exponential growth in computing power over the years. From early encounters with basic computers like ZX81 to the current smartphone's immense processing capabilities, the discussion highlights AI's potential in various sectors, such as health technologies and creative content generation.
Defining Artificial Intelligence
The podcast navigates through the definition of artificial intelligence, tracing back to its origins in 1956 as a means to mimic human intelligence in machines. The guest emphasizes AI's practical applications in enhancing human productivity and achievements, steering the conversation away from theoretical abstractions towards real-world impacts and benefits.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI's Future
The conversation addresses the potential societal impacts of exponential technological advancements, illustrating the widening gap between technological growth and regulatory adaptation. Discussing the rapid improvements in AI capabilities and the resulting economic incentives, the podcast sheds light on the need for proactive measures to navigate the transformative era of AI responsibly, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and societal well-being.
William Hague sits down with Azeem Azhar, entrepreneur, investor and one of the world’s leading thinkers on artificial intelligence, to discuss how tech could be the great equaliser, how we must control it and how the world will be unrecognisable in 5 years time.
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Guest: Azeem Azhar, entrepreneur, investor, author, thought leader.