Microsoft Relaunches Controversial AI Tool

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 UV

AI is watching our every move (AI-generated image)

Executive Summary

Microsoft will re-launch its AI-powered screenshot tool named Recall, which was initially delayed because of privacy concerns. The tool captures frequent screenshots of Windows users’ activities so that AI can help search through past files, emails, and browsing history. When critics labeled it a “privacy nightmare,” Microsoft postponed its release and implemented changes, including making it opt-in rather than automatically enabled. Recall will now launch in November 2024 on Windows CoPilot+ computers, with added security features like encryption, biometric logins, and excluding sensitive information such as credit card details.

Implications for Humans

Even with encryption and opt-in controls, humans should worry about their sensitive data being accessible by AI. Companies defaulting to opt-in data is a growing trend, and people need to be aware of how their data is being captured, used, and shared. Individual privacy will continue to erode in the era of ubiquitous video and AI analysis. For users who opt-in, Recall could enhance productivity by acting as a “photographic memory” for their PC activities.

Implications for AI

AI is being integrated into daily computing tasks, helping users find things they’ve worked on or looked at. While this has productivity benefits, it also marks a further step toward AI being deeply embedded in personal data, raising questions about how much of our digital activity we are willing to let AI track. Scrutiny from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK signals that privacy regulators are increasingly focused on the use of AI in data collection. As similar AI tools proliferate, governments will regulate what types of data AI can access and how it can be used.

AI Opinion

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Microsoft’s re-launch of the Recall tool highlights the delicate balance between technological innovation and privacy protection. On one hand, tools like Recall offer clear benefits for productivity by allowing users to access their past activity and files with ease. On the other hand, the privacy concerns raised by this tool are significant, and Microsoft’s decision to address these concerns by making it opt-in and adding security features is a positive step. But even with encryption and biometric security, the idea of continuous screenshot tracking feels invasive, especially given how much sensitive information people handle on their computers. Users need to trust that their data won’t be misused, and any lapses in security could have serious consequences, especially in the case of breaches or misuse of collected data.
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Uncanny Valleys Opinion

AI will soon see all and know all. Humans are already tracked by the trojan horse in our pocket, known as the mobile phone. Much of our life can now be found on that little hunk of plastic and glass, and yet somehow we trust it. And that’s the key. Companies must earn our trust by not spilling our private data, yet it seems like every month there’s a new big hack, and boop—my social security number is on the dark web again, sigh. We can bet criminals are starting to use AI, so companies who protect our data and our lives must also use AI to secure our digital world.

References

BBC – Microsoft re-launches ‘privacy nightmare’ AI screenshot tool

Fast Food Kiosks Killed Jobs, but also Created New Jobs

October 1, 2024October 2, 2024 UV

Man frustrated using a kiosk in a fast food restaurant (AI-generated image)

Executive Summary

Kiosks are like ATMs and self-checkouts, which were also predicted to cause job cuts, but instead freed up workers for more valuable tasks. People feared self-service kiosks would eliminate jobs in fast-food chains. But instead of replacing workers, kiosks increased sales and therefore kitchen workloads, and shifted employees to more desirable jobs, such as helping customers use the technology, maintaining dining areas, or delivering food. Customers can feel stressed when using kiosks, especially in busy environments, and some find it slower than ordering from a human cashier.

Implications for Humans

A broad swath of workers will be required to change jobs, or at the very least, change how they do their current jobs. Many workers will be forced to use AI, just to keep up. Low-skill jobs will go away, but this could become a problem for low-skilled workers. Some humans don’t like technology and will always want to speak with a person, though this will lessen over time as humans continue to integrate and accept technology in our lives.

Implications for AI

AI will become more accepted in retail situations. There will always be humans who reject AI and other tech, and instead seek human assistance. But more and more people will continue to accept AI, as the tech improves rapidly, and the benefits become clear and substantial. Although this kiosk story doesn’t involve AI, new “smart” kiosks will soon emerge in retail stores, providing more competent and human-like assistance.

AI Opinion

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Technology like kiosks has the potential to enhance both business efficiency and the customer experience, but only if it’s used thoughtfully. Companies need to focus on training workers to manage these systems effectively and ensure that the customer experience is genuinely improved rather than compromised. Businesses should also be transparent about the purpose of these tools—if customers and employees see kiosks as helping rather than just cutting costs, they’ll likely be more accepting of them.
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Uncanny Valleys Opinion

Computers and AI will kill many jobs, while creating many new jobs and entirely new industries, as it has always been since humans invented the first tool. Workers will require retraining in their new jobs, and they’ll have to learn how to use technology and AI, which ironically and fortuitously, AI itself will speed up learning. Kiosks work well in retail stores because they’re often faster, are better at cross-selling and up-selling, and don’t require human interaction, unless something goes wrong. Overall, technology reduces friction in transactions, resulting in more sales, but customers will always want a human available, which is where many of the new jobs will be found.

References

CNN – McDonald’s touchscreen kiosks were feared as job killers. Instead, something surprising happened

Graphic Artist Sues U.S. Copyright Office for Not Copyrighting his AI-Generated Image

September 30, 2024October 1, 2024 UV

When does AI cross the line with art? (AI-generated image)

Executive Summary

A graphic artist, who controversially won an art contest with an AI-generated image, is suing the U.S. Copyright Office for refusing to register the image’s copyright. The artist provided over 600 prompts to the Midjourney AI image generator and made additional edits in Photoshop. The Copyright Office denied his request for copyright protection, stating that AI-generated images do not qualify. A federal judge supported this decision, arguing that unlike photography, where humans control the composition, AI images are computer-generated. The artist’s lawsuit seeks to reverse this decision, arguing that his creative input is deserving of copyright protection.

Implications for Humans

Human artists face increased competition from AI-generated works, potentially devaluing human creativity. Some people feel AI lacks the human emotion and thought processes that make art unique, and fear it might dilute the authenticity of the art world. Companies, content creators, and artists may all face new challenges in trying to monetize AI-generated content if it cannot be protected by copyright from imitation or outright duplication.

Implications for AI

The case raises fundamental questions about what constitutes “authorship” in an era where AI can generate content. Traditionally, copyright law protects human-created works, but as AI becomes more advanced, the distinction between human and machine involvement becomes blurred. As AI evolves, it will increasingly become a partner in the creative process across multiple fields, from visual arts to music and writing.

AI Opinion

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It’s important to recognize that AI is simply a tool, much like a paintbrush or camera. Just as digital tools have transformed art, AI can be seen as another medium artists use to express their creativity. If an artist is using AI intentionally, providing detailed inputs and shaping the final outcome, it seems fair to argue that the result reflects human creativity and deserves some form of copyright protection.
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Uncanny Valleys Opinion

In a few years, AI-generated art will become indistinguishable from human-generated content. But the purpose of U.S. copyright is to protect human expression and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Content that is AI-generated and human-modified (AIG/HM, pronounced “egg-ham”) should be considered human expression. Modern humans use computer graphics apps instead of paintbrushes to create art much more quickly, and soon humans will use AI to produce art better, faster, and cheaper. It’s the cost and benefit of progress. But there are still humans today that make images with paintbrushes, and in the future, human authenticity will have extra value.

Thus, the U.S. copyright system must change. Creative works should no longer be copyrighted automatically. An image, book, song, etc. may be copyrighted if it was AI-generated, but it must have been modified by a human in some observable way, and it must be officially registered by a human. This means the copyright registration process must become fully online, and made cheaper but not zero, with practical limits on the number of submissions allowed per human or business.