Former President Donald Trump Calls AI “the Most Dangerous Thing”
In a recent interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), referring to it as “maybe the most dangerous thing out there.” Trump highlighted the lack of a real solution to the potential dangers posed by AI. He specifically mentioned the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
The Rise of AI-Generated Deepfakes
Since its public debut, AI has gained significant popularity, especially generative AI. However, one negative consequence has been the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes. These deepfakes include videos and speeches featuring high-profile individuals like Trump and President Joe Biden. Trump himself expressed frustration at seeing someone impersonate him in a speech endorsing a product, emphasizing the difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content.
Concerns About Misuse and Security
During the interview, Trump voiced his concerns about AI and its potential misuse, even suggesting that it could be used to initiate wars. He called for urgent action to address this issue, stating that “something has to be done about this, and it has to be done fast.” The United Nations has previously echoed similar concerns regarding the responsible use of AI and its implications for disinformation and hate speech.
The Challenge for Regulation
Trump emphasized that AI poses a tremendous problem for security. He highlighted how interviews can easily be manipulated through deepfake technology, making it challenging to distinguish between authentic and altered content. This concern aligns with remarks made by Gary Gensler, chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, who warned about the risks deepfakes pose to global markets. Gensler stated that fraud perpetrated through AI-generated deepfakes could undermine market integrity.
Efforts to Combat Misinformation
OpenAI, a leading AI research organization, has recently outlined its commitment to combat misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. OpenAI plans to prioritize platform safety by promoting accurate voting information, enforcing appropriate policies, and enhancing transparency. Their aim is to mitigate the potential harm caused by AI-generated content and ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
Hot Take: The Urgent Need for AI Regulation
Former President Donald Trump’s concerns about the dangers of AI and AI-generated deepfakes highlight the urgent need for regulation and safeguards against the misuse of this technology. As AI continues to advance, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern between real and fabricated content. This poses significant risks not only in terms of disinformation but also for national security and market integrity. Governments, organizations, and tech companies must work together to develop robust measures that address these concerns and protect society from the potential harms associated with AI.