Last month we looked at the progress and pitfalls of artificial intelligence (AI). We suppose that over time, the good will outweigh the bad. But as with any new technology, we need to expect some significant pain as we all learn to adjust and regulators get their acts together to (eventually) properly regulate its use and application.
On Oct. 30,1938 a new and only somewhat familiar technology was used to convey a fictional story - Orson Welles’ adaptation of “War of the Worlds.” While obviously a fictional drama acted out over the air waves, this broadcast created chaos and alarm across the whole country.
It wasn’t that people didn’t know fiction could be broadcast over the airwaves. Listeners knew this. But they were not prepared for the level of realism and urgency this production created.
We look back at this story and congratulate ourselves for being above getting dupped by such a simple and obviously fictional tale, but we now find ourselves at the front end of new – and far more elaborate – fictions being perpetrated by AI. It can be used to fabricate fake pictures, generate misleading or totally falsified videos, call us on the phone with voices that sound just like people we know and trust. And all of this is created by computers that have an incredible amount of access to our personal pictures, videos and information. Buckle up!
Keep in mind that the way AI learns is through information stored on computers. The more access you give the world to your photos, videos and life story, the more detailed, elaborate and personal scams can be.
So how should we be approaching these challenges?
- Double down on being skeptical. Don’t believe everything you read, see or hear.
- If something spikes your emotions (anger, indignation, panic or sympathy), let that be a yellow flag to be discerning. Ask yourself, who can I call to check this out?
- Don’t be in a hurry! Most scams try to get you to act before you can think or verify.
- Maintain control! If someone calls claiming to be someone you know – ask them to hang up and call from the number YOU have for them. Ask questions only they could know.
- Be much more discerning about what you post on social media – once it’s out there, it can be turned back against you.
Many of you send me emails asking for funds from your account. You may have noticed that we call you at the number we have on file for you and verify that you are the one asking for those funds. Same with changes to addresses, banking information and more.
Think about how you will need to change to adapt to this new world. If you would like some help thinking through these new risks, let us help!