Inga Strümke, a prominent figure in artificial intelligence research at Norway’s NTNU, is sounding the alarm on the need for stringent regulations surrounding AI technology. Strümke, known for her influential book "Machines That Think," argues that while AI may not lead to a dystopian future with killer robots, it poses significant risks to personal autonomy and societal structures if left unchecked.
The European Union is poised to introduce new regulations under the AI Act, and Norway, as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), is expected to align with these guidelines. Strümke sees this as a critical step towards addressing the challenges posed by AI. "I'm not a fan of regulation for regulation's sake," she notes, "but we need rules to ensure AI does not exploit people’s vulnerabilities."
The AI Act will impose stricter regulations on potentially harmful or unfair AI applications while allowing more lenient controls on benign uses. Strümke highlights the importance of these rules in protecting consumers and ensuring trust in AI technologies. "The rules will safeguard against AI that could manipulate or harm individuals," she says.
Strümke draws a parallel with traffic regulations, arguing that the absence of rules can lead to catastrophic outcomes, just as ignoring traffic laws can result in accidents. She points to the rapid proliferation of ChatGPT as an example of how quickly AI technologies can become pervasive, underscoring the need for proactive regulatory measures.
However, Strümke acknowledges the global landscape of AI regulation is uneven. While the EU and Norway are setting stringent standards, other countries like China and the U.S. have varying levels of regulation, potentially leading to competitive disparities. Despite this, she emphasizes that the EU often sets a global precedent, citing the widespread adoption of USB-C cables and GDPR as examples of its regulatory influence.
Strümke’s expertise extends beyond regulatory concerns. A physicist with a focus on machine learning and explainable AI, she has recently gained prominence for her public outreach efforts. Her book, "Machines That Think," has become a bestseller in Norway, offering a comprehensive overview of AI for a broad audience.
Despite her acclaim, Strümke remains grounded, warning against the potential downsides of AI on personal and societal levels. She expresses concern about AI-driven services that can lead to excessive screen time and reduced personal engagement. "These services know us so well that they can keep us hooked," she warns, adding that such manipulative practices can have broader implications for mental health and democratic integrity.
As Europe gears up to implement the AI Act, Strümke’s call for thoughtful regulation and ethical considerations stands as a crucial reminder of the balance needed between innovation and responsibility in the age of AI.
