THE PROPHECY OF BLACK MIRROR AND AI MISDEEDS

The IDTechEx article titled “AI and Security: Ensuring That Opportunities Outweigh Threats” explores the issue of ownership and accountability in the implementation of AI technologies, particularly in the context of creative works. The article references the popular Netflix series “Black Mirror,” known for its portrayal of existential topics and the potential consequences of unchecked scientific progress.

The article specifically highlights the first episode of the show’s sixth season, titled “Joan Is Awful.” In this episode, the main character Joan, a tech worker, discovers that a program on a platform called “Streamberry” is broadcasting her every move to millions of people without her knowledge. The broadcast distorts her personality, causing her to display exaggerated negative traits and turning her life upside down.

As Joan seeks legal advice, she learns that she unknowingly agreed to Streamberry’s terms and conditions, which grant the platform the right to use, license, and dramatize any aspect of her life, including her identity. This episode leaves viewers with an unsettling feeling about the potential implications of AI technology and the fear of finding themselves in similar circumstances in the future.

The article points out that while humans create the initial prompt, it is the AI tool that generates the output. Furthermore, an AI can also prompt other AI tools, acting as both the prompt and the creator. The article emphasizes the importance of considering other parties involved, such as the developers of the AI tool and the owners of the data used to train it.

The reference to Italy’s decision to ban ChatGPT, an AI tool, in April 2023 is mentioned as a crucial factor in the discussion. Italy’s ban was due to four areas of dispute, and it reflects a growing concern over the potential misuse of personal data used to train AI algorithms.

The article suggests that this event could be indicative of future trends, as AI continues to advance, and the type of content it can generate becomes more sophisticated. It advocates for data protection agencies to take measures similar to the Italian Garante’s decision to ensure the responsible use of personal data in training AI algorithms.

The statement that the episode predicted an actors’ strike in Hollywood appears to be a comment from netizens, reflecting their interpretation of the episode’s themes and their connection to real-world events.

The actors are battling for higher remuneration and the freedom to approve or not consent to the use of their likeness by studios for AI technology. They claim that large studios and streaming platforms can afford to pay much more, but are instead lining their pockets instead of compensating actors fairly.