

Last Week in AI
Skynet Today
Weekly summaries of the AI news that matters!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 16, 2020 • 35min
Creators of "The Gradient" on its Origins and Purpose
Founders discuss how their online magazine aims to make AI knowledge accessible, sharing personal anecdotes on its creation. They reflect on its evolution from factual articles to opinion pieces, highlighting the importance of diverse viewpoints. The conversation also touches on challenges faced in engaging audiences and the need to bridge research gaps for the public. Ultimately, they emphasize community engagement and the amplification of lesser-known voices in AI discourse.

Jul 12, 2020 • 6min
Mini Episode: AI Therapists, Facial Recognition in Detroit, Decolonialism in AI, and Deepfakes for Corporate Training
Discover the innovative world of AI therapy bots designed to assist mental health professionals. Tune in to the ongoing battle against facial recognition in Detroit, highlighting community concerns around privacy. Delve into decolonialism in AI with insights from DeepMind and Oxford, questioning the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence. Uncover how deepfakes are creatively being employed for corporate training to enhance learning experiences. It's a week packed with thought-provoking discussions on technology and its societal implications!

Jul 10, 2020 • 22min
ACM on Facial Recognition, National AI Cloud, and Positive DeepFakes
A compelling discussion unfolds around the ACM's call to halt facial recognition technology due to ethical dilemmas and public backlash. The need for better dataset accountability in AI is emphasized, with MIT's recent actions showcasing a shift towards responsible practices. Delving into AI data management, the potential creation of a National AI Research Cloud is explored for enhanced collaboration. The transformative use of deepfake technology is highlighted, especially in supporting anonymity for vulnerable individuals while stressing the importance of regulation to harness its positive applications.

Jul 5, 2020 • 5min
Mini Episode: Redeeming AI, More Lessons in AI Bias, and a National AI Research Cloud
Dive into the dual nature of deepfakes as an HBO documentary showcases their potential for good. Explore the rising 'green AI' movement focusing on reducing carbon emissions from machine learning. Discover the ongoing conversations about AI bias and the implications of a national AI research cloud to make resources more accessible. This week highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

Jul 4, 2020 • 28min
False Facial Recognition, Biased AI Drama, and Neo-Phrenology
This week, the discussion spotlights a wrongful arrest case caused by flawed facial recognition technology, raising alarms about algorithmic bias, especially against minorities. Ethical implications of AI in law enforcement are debated, stressing accountability and transparency. Controversies surrounding AI studies predicting criminality provoke a significant backlash, highlighting integrity in research. Additionally, the impact of immigration policies on the AI workforce underscores the vital role of international talent in driving innovation.

Jun 28, 2020 • 5min
Mini Episode: Lessons in AI bias, Facial Recognition Policy and Effects, and Trump‘s Visa Freeze
This audio roundup dives into the ongoing challenges of AI bias, spotlighting a surprising oversight by a deep learning pioneer. It reveals the troubling case of wrongful arrest linked to facial recognition technology and discusses a proposed ban on such systems by lawmakers. Additionally, the impact of a recent visa freeze initiated by Trump on the U.S.'s future in AI innovation is explored. These compelling stories load a cautionary tale about ethics and policy in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Jun 25, 2020 • 46min
On Shaping the Global Terrain of AI Competition with Tim Hwang
Tim Hwang, a Research Fellow at Georgetown’s CSET and former director at Harvard-MIT, dives into the fierce AI rivalry between the U.S. and China, highlighting its geopolitical stakes. He discusses how democracies can develop AI responsibly, balancing ethical values with innovation. Hwang also tackles pressing issues like the implications of facial recognition technology, the risks of deepfakes in misinformation, and the need for transparency in AI systems. His insights reveal the intricate interplay between technology, ethics, and global policy.

Jun 21, 2020 • 4min
Mini Episode: Startup News, NeurIPS Changes, and US-China Tensions
This week's roundup dives into the latest innovations from Boston Dynamics and a promising new startup focusing on deep learning accessibility. It highlights exciting changes at the NeurIPS conference aimed at fostering inclusivity. The discussion also addresses the implications of Baidu's exit from the Partnership on AI against the backdrop of rising US-China tensions, making it a critical moment in the global AI landscape.

Jun 19, 2020 • 15min
The Path to Facial Recognition Reform and Regulation
This discussion highlights critical concerns regarding facial recognition technology sold to law enforcement. Experts emphasize the urgent need for regulations to address privacy rights and racial justice. They explore the bias inherent in these systems, particularly against minorities and women. There's a strong call for corporate accountability to support racial justice initiatives. Additionally, ethical implications are examined, linking these technologies to historical injustices like eugenics. The conversation is a vital step toward responsible AI development.

Jun 14, 2020 • 4min
Mini Episode: More Facial Recognition, Racism in Academia, and the latest in Commercial AI
This discussion dives into the troubling implications of facial recognition technology, particularly its racial biases and the urgent need for reform in academic institutions. It highlights ongoing advancements in commercial AI, showcasing innovations from OpenAI and Boston Dynamics. The episode emphasizes the intersection of technology and social issues, urging listeners to consider the ethical dimensions of AI developments.