FT News Briefing What if AI knows your death date?
6 snips
Jan 19, 2024 UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hints at potential tax cuts amid rising inflation concerns. The rekindling conflict in the Red Sea raises fears over oil prices and global trade. Excitingly, scientists unveil an AI algorithm that can predict individual lifespans, prompting discussions about its ethical implications. The podcast dives into the philosophical questions surrounding AI's role in determining fate and personal agency, challenging listeners to consider the ramifications of knowing their death date.
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Predicting Mortality with Life Events
- Life events can predict mortality, similar to language models predicting words.
- This "LifeGPT" or "DeathGPT" uses data sequences to forecast lifespans.
Algorithm Parameters for Mortality Prediction
- A Danish algorithm uses registry data like address, salary, occupation, and medical visits.
- This data trains the algorithm to predict mortality, outperforming existing models.
Drawbacks of Mortality Prediction
- Researchers are cautious about insurance companies using this technology.
- Improved individual mortality prediction complicates pooled insurance risk assessment.