Jonathan Zittrain

Jonathan Zittrain, Faculty Director of the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard Law, dives into the critical need for controlling AI agents. He distinguishes these agents from current generative AI, raising alarm about their autonomy and decision-making risks. Zittrain calls for urgent regulatory measures, drawing parallels to historical tech incidents. He humorously suggests that even simple tasks like ordering pizza might require a license to ensure accountability in AI use. The conversation emphasizes the balance between leveraging AI benefits and addressing ethical concerns.

Jonathan Zittrain, a Harvard computer science professor and co-founder of the Berkman Klein Center, joins to illuminate the multifaceted dangers of AI. He discusses how models like ChatGPT spread misinformation and why we should hesitate to treat them as companions. Zittrain explores the emotional impact of AI interactions, detailing ethical dilemmas in its development. He also raises concerns about recreating lost loved ones, balancing comfort with risks to genuine human connections, and emphasizes the pressing need for responsible AI governance.