AI’s dark side

Relevance – Artificial Intelligence is the future of all machineries. However, Its potential misuse must be stopped for its optimum utlisation.

Synopsis:

The Government of India needs to invest in technology and talent in order to counter the danger posed by deep fake technology.

Background:

• Roadrunner: A documentary on the late chef Anthony Bourdain showcases the extraordinary advances of artificial intelligence (AI). 
• It uses Deep Fake technology to show Bourdain mouthing words he never uttered. The documentary is a wake-up call on potential side effects of AI if it is used with malicious intentions. 

About Deep Fakes:

• They are a subfield of AI that allow realistic forgeries of both video and audio. 
• The speed of advances in AI have made it possible to create Deep Fakes using freely available software and computer processing power that can be rented. 
• AI is perhaps the most transformative technology under development. Consequently, it also brings about entirely new risks.

Risks posed by Deep Fakes:

• Deep Fakes pose a fundamental danger. They can quickly undermine trust, the invisible bond that holds many collectives together. 
• There are many examples of Deep Fakes being used by state actors to influence elections and sow seeds of discord. 
  • The US has been a victim of Deep Fakes. Even in India, Deep Fakes are known to have been circulated in some electoral contests. 

Way Ahead:

• AI’s rapid upgrades, coupled with a transition to digital modes of governance, calls for a new level of safeguards on the part of the Government of India.
• The Government of India needs to adopt a proactive approach against deep fakes like the U.S government. It should invest in talent and technology to cripple hackers’ cyber infrastructure.
  • The U.S has been a persistent victim of deep fakes and ransomware attacks, the latest one being the hacking of a critical oil pipeline on the eastern side.