Barack Obama on AI, free speech, and the future of the internet
Nov 7, 2023
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Former President Barack Obama discusses AI regulation, social networks, deepfake technology, and the future of the internet. He emphasizes the need for a smart framework for AI regulation, involving experts in shaping it. The challenges of regulating deepfakes, online speech, and copyright laws are explored. Obama also highlights the impact of AI on social media, democracy, and the economy. He encourages people to get involved in shaping the future of technology through AI.gov and U.S. digital services.
Former President Barack Obama emphasizes the need for effective and flexible regulations in governing artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safety and transparency while encouraging innovation.
Obama calls for a broad public conversation about regulations and guidelines for social media platforms that strike a balance between freedom of speech and moderating harmful content, promoting diverse viewpoints, and protecting individuals, particularly in political discourse.
Deep dives
The Importance of Regulating AI
Former President Barack Obama discusses the need for regulations and frameworks to govern artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in various sectors, such as medicine and education, but also highlights the potential risks it poses. Obama believes that the government should create a framework that promotes safety and transparency while still encouraging innovation. He also highlights the importance of experts in AI working with the government to ensure that regulations are effective and flexible.
Addressing Social Media Regulation
Obama reflects on the challenges of regulating social media platforms. He acknowledges that finding the right balance between freedom of speech and moderating harmful content is complex. He believes that social media platforms are not just common carriers and should have some responsibility for content moderation. Obama calls for a broader public conversation about regulations and guidelines that promote diverse viewpoints and protect individuals, especially when it comes to political discourse.
The Fervor for AI Regulation
Obama discusses the growing interest from tech companies in AI regulation. He believes that there is a genuine concern among industry leaders about the potential impact of AI and the need to prevent negative outcomes. Despite concerns about stifling innovation, Obama highlights the importance of smart regulations that establish goals, standards, and safety protocols. He acknowledges the need for flexibility and ongoing discussions to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI.
Preparing for the Future of AI
Obama emphasizes the need to prepare for the effects of AI on jobs and the economy. He raises concerns about the displacement of certain roles by AI and the need to reexamine the value and remuneration of jobs that cannot be performed by AI. Obama suggests that society should consider shorter workweeks, job sharing, and finding alternative methods to ensure fair compensation and benefits for individuals in a changing labor landscape.
We’ve got a good one today. I’m talking to former President Barack Obama about AI, social networks, and how to think about democracy as both of those things collide.
I sat down with Obama last week at his offices in Washington, DC, just hours after President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order about AI. You’ll hear Obama say he’s been talking to the Biden administration and leaders across the tech industry about AI and how best to regulate it. My idea here was to talk to Obama the constitutional law professor more than Obama the politician. So this one got wonky fast.
You’ll also hear him say that he joined our show because he wanted to reach you, the Decoder audience, and get you all thinking about these problems. One of Obama’s worries is that the government needs insight and expertise to properly regulate AI, and you’ll hear him make a pitch for why people with that expertise should take a tour of duty in the government to make sure we get these things right.