Welcome back friends and new AI enthusiasts to ChildsPlayAI, a weekly newsletter where we break down what’s happening in AI, in language you can understand.

Last week we scratched the surface of Ethics in AI. This week, we’re discussing two notoriously touchy topics, even before the use of new tech on the block.

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

• Police and AI

• Congress and AI

Let’s dig in.

No matter the side of the aisle you’re on, some improvements in law enforcement wouldn’t be a bad thing, but at what cost, and how? Here are some of the pros and cons of using AI in law enforcement.

First, the good 😇 

Efficiency

• AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data in a fraction of the time it would take humans. This means that law enforcement agencies can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring officers are deployed where they are most needed.

Identify Crime patterns or trends

• Data can be used to predict where and when crimes are likely to occur. This allows officers to proactively patrol these areas and deter crime before it happens.

Faster investigations

• AI tools can assist by analyzing evidence and identifying connections that may not be immediately apparent to human investigators. Maybe we can finally figure out where that other sock went!

Now, the Challenges 😬 

Privacy

• AI systems can collect a lot of data about people that could be used to track individuals or target them for surveillance. To say this is a public concern, would be an understatement.

Bias and Discrimination

• These tools are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the training data is biased, the AI algorithms will be biased as well. This could lead to disproportionate targeting of certain communities or individuals.

Transparency

• AI algorithms are complex and opaque, making it difficult to comprehend their decision-making process. To uphold public trust, law enforcement agencies must be able to justify AI-driven decisions and offer channels for individuals to challenge and appeal to them when needed.

“You’ll never guess what my boss did….”

We’ve all had our share of pretty awful bosses, but could you imagine being fired by a robot? A new bill has been introduced in the US Senate that would regulate the use of AI in the workplace, and it’s called the "No Robot Bosses Act of 2023"

The bill's sponsors argue that AI-powered decision-making systems are unclear and biased, which could lead to discrimination and unfair treatment of workers.

While still in its early stages, this bill has the potential to have a major impact on the way AI is used in the workplace. If passed, it would be a significant step towards ensuring that AI is used fairly and ethically.

Some of the key provisions of the bill:

• Prohibits employers from using AI to make employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, and promotions.

• Requires employers to disclose to employees when they are using AI to make employment decisions.

• Gives employees the right to request an explanation for any AI-related decision that affects them.

• Establishes a task force to study the use of AI in the workplace and make recommendations for further regulation.

The No Robot Bosses Act of 2023 is a complex piece of legislation, and it is still too early to say whether it will be passed into law. However, it has generated a lot of interest and debate, and there will be no shortage of opinions for years to come.

Ethical considerations should always guide the use of AI. While AI can automate certain tasks and enhance decision-making, it is essential to maintain human oversight and control. Whether it’s through law enforcement or in the workplace, final decisions with significant consequences should also involve human judgment rather than relying solely on AI algorithms.

• AI may influence whether or not you can get pain medicine

• AI on Thursday Night Football

• Voice Deepfakes are coming for your bank account

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From their blog:

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