Could artificial intelligence replace governments?- Article Analysis

With the growing maturity of AI and machine learning, it is only a matter of time before people start considering the implications of using these technologies in broader society. This short film by the BBC explores the idea that, for argument's sake, AI could replace governments. The argument to this point is that, unlike the humans who run governments around the world, AI is not privy to scandals, corruption and popularity contests which popularise short-term solutions at the expense of long-term, sustainable policy in the areas that really matter, like climate change. These decisions are based off impartial facts and data. 

However, while we rejoice in the thought of Donald Trump being replaced by an all wise and knowing AI bot, it’s important to note that the computational powers of these technologies stop at the point where, arguably, humanity starts. That is, it can measure the costs of hospital treatment for an elderly person after they retire, and objectively conclude that this is a poor investment for the government, but it cannot measure the value of that life based on the opinions of those closest to them. Hence, AI cannot differentiate between what’s right and wrong. 

The thought experiment concludes by informing us that despite the powers of AI, they are built by humans and therefore have a tendency to be exposed to human biases.  Resulting, these biases could perpetuate existing flaws in political and societal systems, making things worse, rather than better. Despite this, it’s important that we understand the powers of AI and how its integration in systems and processes can aid human decision making in traditional, and new ways, so that we are empowered, rather than suffocated, by it.

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