APPETIZER: To wet your appetite
AI in courtroom in England and Wales

As of January 8, 2024, the use of AI by judges in the UK is in a transitional phase. UK judges can use AI for specific tasks in writing legal opinions, but not for research, analysis, or decisions. Strict guidelines emphasize transparency, accountability, addressing potential AI biases, and protecting confidential information. Debates continue about ethical implications and public trust. Use of AI in UK courts is evolving, with adjustments expected based on ongoing research and evaluation. AI is currently a tool to assist, not replace, judges, who remain fully responsible for decisions, but for how long?  How long before your guilt or innocence is determined by a computer?

A Little Salad: Google to lay off 30,000

Main Course: Elections and AI

Sam Altman has expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used for interference in elections, including the upcoming 2024 US election. Here are some examples of his statements:

• Testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee: In May 2023, Altman testified that deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation could pose a significant risk to the integrity of elections. He called for the government to take action to regulate AI and prevent its misuse.

• Media interviews: Altman has spoken out in various interviews about the dangers of AI-powered election interference. He has warned about the potential for AI to create realistic but fake news articles and social media posts, and to manipulate voters through targeted microtargeting campaigns.

• Articles and public talks: Altman has also written articles and given speeches about the challenges of AI and elections. He has argued that it is important to be proactive in addressing these risks before they become even more serious.

However, it's important to note that Altman doesn't necessarily believe that AI interference is inevitable. He believes that with careful planning and regulation, it is possible to mitigate the risks and ensure that AI is used for good in the context of elections.

Though I am sure he is genuinely concerned that ChatGPT and other AI systems will be used for good, the question is: 

Who judges what is considered good?
Who judges what info AI shares?
Who judges what AI learns?

Remember the outcry when social media titans like Facebook and Twitter self-appointed themselves our misinformation referees. Now, AI, trained by a few, is doing the same, deeming some information too risky for our eyes. If control over online speech by social media moguls worries you, consider the growing power of AI creators who hold the keys to the information we access. As AI barrels towards the average American, it's a double-edged sword, promising both immense benefits and potentially chilling control over what we know and see.

• is this book fiction or foreshadowing? It's hard to say.