Welcome to the first addition of CCC’s Weekly Computing News series. This week we are analyzing two recent reports which cover current trends in Artificial Intelligence research and public perceptions on how generative AI will impact the upcoming election.
AI and Elections
The Elon University Poll, working with the Imagining the Digital Future Center, recently conducted a nationwide survey on Americans’ worries about potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The results reveal widespread concerns, with a striking 78% of adults fearing AI could be exploited to influence the election. People are particularly worried about AI manipulating social media, spreading fake content like videos and audios, and targeting voters.
The survey also shows strong support for punishing candidates who knowingly alter or create fake media. An overwhelming 93% of respondents want penalties ranging from removal from office to significant fines, showing a clear desire to protect the election process from AI manipulation. Despite these concerns, most Americans still trust the voting process itself, though opinions vary among different political groups.
However, the survey highlights a significant challenge: many Americans don’t feel confident in their ability to spot fake media. This lack of confidence complicates efforts to combat misinformation. Overall, the findings underscore the tension between technological progress, trust in society, and the need to uphold democratic principles in an age defined by rapid digital change and political division.
Read the full report here.
AI Index Report
The 2024 AI Index report is arriving at a crucial moment when AI is significantly impacting society. This edition covers essential trends such as technical advancements in AI and public perceptions of the technology.
Here are the key takeaways from the report.
- AI has excelled in various tasks such as image classification and language interpretation but lags behind in complex tasks like mathematics and planning.
- Industry dominates AI research, producing more notable models than academia, with increasing collaboration between the two sectors.
- Training costs for cutting-edge AI models have soared, with examples like GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini Ultra requiring millions of dollars worth of compute.
- The United States leads in producing top AI models compared to China, the EU, and the UK.
- Standardized evaluations for responsible AI are lacking, hindering systematic comparison of AI model risks and limitations.
- Investment in generative AI has surged despite an overall decline in AI investment, with major players securing substantial funding.
- Studies show AI improves worker productivity and quality of work, but proper oversight is required to prevent performance decline.
- AI continues to accelerate scientific progress, aiding in tasks like algorithmic sorting and materials discovery.
- The U.S. has seen a sharp increase in AI-related regulations over the past years, indicating growing regulatory attention.
- Global awareness of AI’s impact is rising, with a significant portion expressing nervousness about its implications for their lives.
Read the full report here.
