Welcome to the dark side of technology. In this article, we will explore the unsettling truth behind three existing technologies. From social credit systems to deepfake pornography.
So without further ado, let’s jump right in.
1. Deepfakes
First off, one of the most shocking technologies you may have guessed, That’s right, Deepfake technology. If you didn’t know, Deepfake technology is a form of AI that can be used to create realistic, manipulated videos and images.
This technology can be used to create videos that appear to show people saying or doing things that they never actually did.
Deepfake technology has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as creating fake news, blackmailing people, or spreading misinformation. For instance, in one example, we have Mark Zuckerberg talking about stealing billions of people’s data.
There are also concerns that the technology could be used to create pornographic videos featuring people without their consent. It is estimated that 96% of deepfakes are related to adult videos. But it doesn’t stop at the video, deepfake technology can also imitate voices.
In 2019 a report published by the Wall Street Journal found that a CEO of a large UK energy firm was manipulated by scammers into sending $243,000 after he was misled into thinking he was speaking to his boss. Scary stuff.
2. Social Credit Systems
The second disturbing technology that exists today is social credit systems. Simply put, this system is a set of databases in which individuals are assigned a score based on their behavior, which can affect their ability to access certain services and opportunities.
Ultimately, people are rewarded for high ratings and punished for low ratings. This isn’t some farfetched Orwellian future, this is happening now. This technology has currently been implemented in China.
For example, debtors in China are placed on a blacklist that restricts them from staying at certain hotels, flying, and even purchasing train tickets.
Then when it comes to corporations, if they have low scores they will likely be subject to higher inspection rates and targeted auditing. At the end of the day, social credit systems pose a serious risk to privacy and our freedom.
Facial Recognition
Thirdly, we have Facial recognition technology which essentially uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and match faces in images or videos. This technology has been implemented in various forms, such as security cameras, smartphone apps, and even in some retail stores.
While facial recognition technology can be used for positive purposes, such as identifying criminals or missing persons, it has also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
There are fears that the technology could be used to create a surveillance state, where citizens are constantly monitored and tracked without their knowledge or consent.
During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, facial recognition was used to identify protestors and quell the pro-democracy protests. This forced people to use lasers and face masks to counteract this draconian system.
Another scary example is the gaming company Tencent requires facial recognition scans between 10 pm and 8 am to stop children from playing.
There are also concerns that facial recognition technology could be used to discriminate against certain groups of people, such as minorities and immigrants. Often it is calibrated to the majority of the population leading to a systematic bias.
In other words, as there is fewer data for minorities it can lead to more identification errors. These errors are not uncommon either. A report published by police in South Wales found that 91% of matches were incorrect.
Therefore, the probability that innocent people will be falsely charged is high.
If you want to view this article in a more visual format then please check out my video below:
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the dark side of technology is a reality that we must confront and be aware of. From deepfake technology that can manipulate videos and images, to social credit systems that can restrict access to services based on behavior.
It is important that we stay informed and take action to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically. I hope you found this article useful and thanks for reading it.
Want to learn about the weaponization of robots? Click here to read my previous article.
