There are all kinds of apocalyptic warnings about the emergence of artificial intelligence. Experts are warning that the new technology is inherently dangerous.
And some are urging governments to put a stop to it as we begin to fully understand its potential. But aside from the abstract dangers there are all sorts of real-world implications for AI.
This week, it emerged that thousands of BT staff are at risk. Up to 55,000 jobs are set to vanish in the next decade, with staff replaced by AI.
That’s thousands of lives ruined as business looks to make things more efficient. In practice, automated services are never as good as the human touch.
We’ve all struggled with endless menus and on-hold music as you try to navigate those awful customer service menus. Everyone prefers being able to get through to a human being. It might save business a few pounds but it is nothing but frustrating for customers.
Of course, the most important thing is jobs. BT has pledged to redeploy staff but there will inevitably be losses.
And this scheme is being presided over by Philip Jansen, a BT boss who takes home a massive amount every year.
Mr Jansen has been called “Food Bank Phil” after workers in a North Tyneside call centre had a food bank set up for them. Customer service advisers take home about £11 an hour.
Last year, Mr Jansen took home £3.46million.
You don’t need artificial intelligence – or any kind of intelligence – to see that that’s wrong.
But it’s always the way. The rich get richer and the first use of new technology is to put people out of their jobs.
Dog law delay
For a long time, experts have warned about the dangers of certain dog breeds. Almost every week a new horror story emerges.
The death of Jonathan Hogg, a father of five who was mauled to death by an XL Bully dog, was a senseless tragedy.
In the wake of his killing, police seized 15 dogs at two addresses in Manchester.
This is the tip of the iceberg. The trade in breeding and selling dangerous dogs is rife. And until the Government gets a grip on it, these tragedies will continue.
Ministers have been urged to act but still they drag their feet. The law must be tightened, penalties increased and a crackdown on the sale and breeding of these dogs must happen now.
Golden touch
Man City’s Erling Haaland has revealed he loves nothing better than a game of Minecraft. An apt choice as the superstar striker’s form has been pretty seamless all season.
