Steven T.

NEWS - Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (VET AI) Act Introduced U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Shelley Moore Capito introduced the bipartisan Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (VET AI) Act (details below). I'm excited about this bill because it builds on recommendations we--as the IEEE USA AI Policy committee--made in a position statement released last February (https://lnkd.in/e9sETwNM). It was a pleasure to co-lead this effort with Dr. Cari Miller. I'd also like to thank Sen. Hickenlooper's staff for being receptive to feedback that I, and colleagues, provided on this bill. Details: ➡ Directs NIST, in coordination with the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, to develop voluntary specifications and guidelines for developers and deployers of AI systems to conduct internal assurance and work with third parties on external assurance regarding the verification and red-teaming of AI systems. ➡ Such specifications require considerations for data privacy protections, mitigations against potential harms to individuals from an AI system, dataset quality, and governance and communications processes of a developer or deployer throughout the AI systems’ development lifecycles. ➡ Establish a collaborative Advisory Committee to review and recommend criteria for individuals or organizations seeking to obtain certification of their ability to conduct internal or external assurance for AI systems. ➡ Require NIST to conduct a study examining various aspects of the ecosystem of AI assurance, including the current capabilities and methodologies used, facilities or resources needed, and overall market demand for internal and external AI assurance.

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Is there an optimum balance between agentic autonomy—and its rewards—and the risks posed by such systems? We recently conducted a review with industry professionals to explore where they placed use cases across varying levels of autonomy. 🔴 First things first - no AI or agentic system fits neatly into one category. Instead, how an application is positioned within the autonomy framework has unique implications for safety and value-add. Here’s a breakdown: 1. Assistive agents: Enhancing Efficiency at Low Stakes Assistive AI systems enhance productivity but remain fully dependent on human control. 📌 Examples: Scheduling assistants, email recommendation systems. 📌 Value: Simplifies repetitive tasks with minimal risk. 📌 Risks: - Minor operational errors (e.g., incorrect meeting times). - Growing dependency on AI for basic functions. 🛠 Governance Level: Minimal—adoption requires limited oversight. 2. Semi-Autonomous AI: Supporting Human Decisions Semi-autonomous AI operates independently but relies on human validation for critical outcomes. 📌 Examples: Clinical decision support systems, fraud detection tools. 📌 Value: Balances efficiency with human judgment, enabling safer innovation. 📌 Risks: - Incomplete insights delaying decisions. - Risk of de-skilling professionals through over-reliance on AI. - Risk of confirmation bias from humans relying on agentic actions and decisions. 🛠 Governance Level: Moderate—requires clear guidelines to manage human-AI collaboration. 3. Fully Autonomous AI: Independent Decision-Making Fully autonomous systems execute decisions without human intervention, enabling new capabilities. 📌 Examples: Autonomous financial trading and portfolio managing systems 📌 Value: Unlocks scalability and speed beyond human limitations. 📌 Risks: - Financial losses from flawed trading algorithms. - Ethical concerns about bias and fairness. - Accountability gaps for critical errors. 🛠 Governance Level: High—demands proactive monitoring and ethical safeguards. 4. Super-Autonomous AI: High-Stakes, High-Impact Decisions Super-autonomous systems operate independently in life-critical or highly complex domains. 📌 Examples: Signing legal contracts, life-critical medical interventions. 📌 Value: Revolutionizes processes in healthcare, law, and beyond. 📌 Risks: - Life-threatening consequences in healthcare. - Geopolitical tensions from military AI errors. - Legal liabilities tied to decision-making errors. 🛠 Governance Level: Maximum—requires stringent regulation and safety guarantees before deployment. Key Takeaways - The debate isn’t about whether we should advance autonomy, but how we can balance autonomy with risk to unlock AI’s full potential responsibly. - Dynamic regulations must evolve in tandem with AI’s growing autonomy, ensuring that innovation aligns with safety and accountability. __________ #AI #agents #agenticAI #speaker #syntheticreality

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Authored by Amy Webb, and Sam Jordan under the Future Today Institute, “The Era of Living Intelligence” explores the #technologicalparadigms shaping the next phase of #globalinnovation. This report investigates the convergence of #artificialintelligence, #biotechnology, #advancedcomputing, and other frontier technologies, underscoring their collective role in propelling #humanity into an era of “living intelligence.” The report identifies an overarching supercycle—a cascading wave of technological advancements that interconnects disparate innovations into unified ecosystems. Within this supercycle, breakthroughs in #quantumcomputing, #generativeAI, #syntheticbiology, and #neuralnetworks drive exponential growth in capability and application. These technologies collectively enable dynamic systems capable of #learning, evolving, and integrating across sectors, from #finance and #healthcare to #energy and #urbanplanning. A key thematic exploration is the shift from static technologies to adaptive systems designed for resilience and real-time decision-making. For example, advancements in #machinelearningandAI are increasingly mirrored by progress in bioinformatics and #CRISPRtechnologies, enabling personalized medicine and predictive diagnostics. Simultaneously, industries such as #financialservices are leveraging #realtimeAImodels for fraud detection, #riskmanagement, and hyper-personalized #customerengagement, demonstrating the versatility and ubiquity of living intelligence in practical use cases. The report also addresses the societal and ethical challenges inherent in this supercycle. As technology becomes more #autonomous and pervasive, questions surrounding trust, #governance, and equitable access are becoming critical. Emerging models of #digital #ethics and adaptive regulatory frameworks are proposed to ensure a balance between innovation and responsibility. This is especially pertinent in sectors where the fusion of AI with #sensitivedata—such as #healthcare or #finance—creates potential vulnerabilities alongside transformative #opportunities. In conclusion, the report represents a profound exploration of a transformative epoch in human history. This era is characterized not only by technological sophistication but also by the fusion of #innovation with adaptability, enabling systems that mimic and augment #humanintelligence at unprecedented scales. The report calls for strategic foresight and collaborative governance to navigate the uncertainties of this paradigm shift. Ultimately, success in this era will be defined by the capacity to align technological progress with societal needs, ensuring that the promise of living intelligence is realized as a force for global prosperity, equity, and resilience in the face of an increasingly complex world.

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Authored by Amy Webb, and Sam Jordan under the Future Today Institute, “The Era of Living Intelligence” explores the #technologicalparadigms shaping the next phase of #globalinnovation. This report investigates the convergence of #artificialintelligence, #biotechnology, #advancedcomputing, and other frontier technologies, underscoring their collective role in propelling #humanity into an era of “living intelligence.” The report identifies an overarching supercycle—a cascading wave of technological advancements that interconnects disparate innovations into unified ecosystems. Within this supercycle, breakthroughs in #quantumcomputing, #generativeAI, #syntheticbiology, and #neuralnetworks drive exponential growth in capability and application. These technologies collectively enable dynamic systems capable of #learning, evolving, and integrating across sectors, from #finance and #healthcare to #energy and #urbanplanning. A key thematic exploration is the shift from static technologies to adaptive systems designed for resilience and real-time decision-making. For example, advancements in #machinelearningandAI are increasingly mirrored by progress in bioinformatics and #CRISPRtechnologies, enabling personalized medicine and predictive diagnostics. Simultaneously, industries such as #financialservices are leveraging #realtimeAImodels for fraud detection, #riskmanagement, and hyper-personalized #customerengagement, demonstrating the versatility and ubiquity of living intelligence in practical use cases. The report also addresses the societal and ethical challenges inherent in this supercycle. As technology becomes more #autonomous and pervasive, questions surrounding trust, #governance, and equitable access are becoming critical. Emerging models of #digital #ethics and adaptive regulatory frameworks are proposed to ensure a balance between innovation and responsibility. This is especially pertinent in sectors where the fusion of AI with #sensitivedata—such as #healthcare or #finance—creates potential vulnerabilities alongside transformative #opportunities. In conclusion, the report represents a profound exploration of a transformative epoch in human history. This era is characterized not only by technological sophistication but also by the fusion of #innovation with adaptability, enabling systems that mimic and augment #humanintelligence at unprecedented scales. The report calls for strategic foresight and collaborative governance to navigate the uncertainties of this paradigm shift. Ultimately, success in this era will be defined by the capacity to align technological progress with societal needs, ensuring that the promise of living intelligence is realized as a force for global prosperity, equity, and resilience in the face of an increasingly complex world.

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We are in a new information landscape, one that has immense benefits but also serious consequences. To adapt to the dense jungle of our information ecosystem, we must become responsible information consumers in ways we’ve never had to before. It’s hard but desperately needed for our health and our democracy. Here are 9 tips that may help navigate chaos online, especially during highly consequential times—whether it’s a hurricane, elections, or a pandemic. https://lnkd.in/giskqdHi

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AI in Local Government: County of Santa Cruz’s AI Appropriate Use Policy (Part 5 of Series) Key Sections of the Policy: I. Principle for Responsible Generative AI Tools Use: Outlines essential guidelines for AI deployment, focusing on ethical considerations like fairness, transparency, and the necessity of human oversight to ensure AI decisions are accurate and accountable. II. Prohibited Uses: Clearly defines scenarios where AI use is strictly forbidden, such as applications that could lead to discrimination, privacy violations, or misuse of public resources, ensuring AI is used only in ways that align with ethical and legal standards. III. Use of AI Systems Examples: Provides specific examples of how AI can be used within county operations, including scenarios where AI enhances efficiency and decision-making, while also ensuring these applications adhere to the county’s ethical guidelines. Personal Comment: Santa Cruz County’s AI policy is a valuable resource for local governments. Its clear principles, detailed prohibited uses, and practical examples offer a comprehensive guide for ethical AI integration. Key Contacts: • Santa Cruz County IT Department: ITsupport@santacruzcountyca.gov Last Revised: 9/13/2023 Access the Policy Here: https://lnkd.in/gv8m-PR5 #AIinGovernment #SmartCities #ResponsibleAI #SantaCruzTech #AIPolicy #LocalGovInnovation

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When we digitize we reduce pressure on the environment, right? Digital tools boost #sustainability in myriad ways; think digital vs paper documents; virtual vs in-person meetings; precision vs. scattergun farming. However, a recent UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report reminds us not to forget the (often) hidden environmental costs of the digital economy: 🌳 Energy: blockchain and AI applications typically require huge amounts of power; electricity consumption at 13 major data centre operators was up +2x in period 2018-22. 🌳 Resources: digital infrastructure requires scarce resources from water to minerals; demand for graphite, lithium, and cobalt could surge by 500% to 2050. 🌳 Consumption: the ease of e-commerce encourages overconsumption by removing purchase frictions; digital-related waste climbed 30% in period 2010-22. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNRkjPCi

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After the launch of the PCI Data Cooperatives Report (https://lnkd.in/g_CHSvdd) on September 16, the journey continues. Yesterday I spoke on Data Cooperatives and the Digital Commons at the Harvard Club of NYC, as part of the Leaders of Regeneration series. 🌍 As we face climate change and biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse, threatening 40% of lives and destabilizing economies, data cooperatives offer a powerful solution. By fostering collaboration and responsible data sharing, they can drive the innovation and collective action needed to protect ecosystems, enhance economies, and create a more sustainable future. #DataCooperatives #DigitalCommons #DigitalGovernance

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I am humbled by the thought rigor this group with Shruti Shankar Gaur, Ph.D. and Navroop K. Sahdev bring to this. #digitaltransformation, #digitaleconomy #sustainability #netzero #ESG #circularity #regenerative #decarbonization #ClimateChange #blockchain #DigitalAssets #Web3 #humancentered #empowerment.

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Our very own Adam Wangrat shared some of our research and product development at Neural Alpha combining #LLMs with #knowledgegraphs for automating ESG assessments at the recent Connected Data World London meetup. The talk illustrates how we are using Retrieval Augmented Generation #RAG architectures to improve Q&A capabilities across disclosures, spatial, news, supply chains and many other types of ESG data. This kind of AI powered automation will become increasingly widespread as ESG becomes more data intensive and requiring automation.

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Check out this GREAT webinar about a topic that should be on every Board agenda. Tom Davenport and I share our research on #citizendevelopment with our friends at MIT Sloan Management Review

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5 Real Scenario to Prove “When data meets research, innovation begins" https://lnkd.in/geuyPWNM #DataInnovation #ResearchAndData #DataDriven #InnovationStartsWithData #RealScenarios #complereinfosystem

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A compelling read from McKinsey & Company on the importance of a robust infrastructure for integrating and launching AI. #ChartingthepathtodataandAI emphasizes the need for seamless integration and interoperability to drive AI initiatives. #MicrosoftAzureHealthDataServicesFHIR and #MicrosoftFabric serve as the pivotal platform for this endeavor. Explore more at the link: https://lnkd.in/dNhrDz5B.

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We don't have to be heading towards a collision course between meeting our climate goals and managing AI's intense energy consumption. As federal policies shift, New York has a unique opportunity to set the standard for sustainable AI, creating a blueprint for other states to follow. Governor Kathy Hochul has set an ambitious goal for New York: to become a national and global leader in AI research and development. Perhaps New York’s true competitive advantage lies in attracting funding and investment precisely because it can lead in sustainable AI. Imagine a future where sustainability isn’t just a commitment—it’s New York’s key selling point. Read more below: https://lnkd.in/g_fih3WR

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I've seen people criticize the AICPA and state societies for not taking political positions. The first segment of this podcast describes the impact of a scientific journal taking a "social justice" position and how it impacts the trust in science. As accountants and auditors we are seen as the "arbiters of truth" and I am glad that our professional associations are not putting our position as the most trusted profession at risk. #transformaccounting https://lnkd.in/gGF-MDQi

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