- AI has transformative potential comparable to the Industrial Revolution, says Tony Blair
- Understanding both the benefits and risks of AI is crucial, according to the former prime minister
- Governments must comprehend, master, and utilize AI while minimizing its hazards
The former prime minister discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and why governments and innovators must collaborate to harness the technology.
Sir Tony Blair is unequivocal about the potential for artificial intelligence to alter our way of life.
“I believe it is comparable to the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century,” he says.
I believe [technology] was already advanced, but generative AI has given it a further boost.
The former prime minister’s eponymous institute is composing papers on artificial intelligence, and he has given speeches and written newspaper columns about the technology.
Sir Tony wants us to comprehend both the risk and the reward.
“It is simultaneously a very good and potentially very bad technology,” he tells me.
“The benefits are enormous. It has the potential to transform the way we live and work, as well as healthcare and education, as well as the structure of government.
It will drastically increase productivity and alter the nature of business work.
“On the other hand, there are disinformation deepfakes, such as the creation of bioterror weapons.”
“How should the government approach it? It must comprehend it, master it, and utilize it. Utilize the opportunities and reduce the hazards.”
This query was composed by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot.
It inquires about Sir Tony’s thoughts on the potential benefits and dangers of AI, as well as how governments and societies should approach such a swiftly developing technology.
“Well, that’s a pretty obvious question,” he responds.
Nonetheless, he responds.
I ask him to describe the current situation we’re in.
“This is akin to the industrial revolution,” he continues. “Just as that moment altered humanity and altered the state, so will this moment and generative AI.”
And, are we prepared? Here, he responds with increased attention.
When asked if politicians in the United Kingdom have been naive, he states that they have been ignorant of the power and application of technology.
“Part of the problem is that you’ve got the policymakers in one room and the changemakers in another,” he explains.
The United States, China, and the private sector have surpassed the United Kingdom, and according to Sir Tony, countries such as Singapore are also catching up.
China is a leader in AI alongside the United States. As with so much else, the 21st century will be shaped in part by the competition between China and the United States.”
However, Sir Tony asserts that the contending superpowers will need to find a way to cooperate, particularly in the areas of climate change and global health.
“Can that be accomplished with technology? I’m not sure.”
What about the United Kingdom? Can it still be a leader?
“We are strong in life sciences, climate, and AI itself,” he informs me.
“To maintain the vitality of our universities, we must invest significantly in infrastructure and expand our computing capacity.
There are many things we can do, but they must be driven from the top down.
Sir Tony cites the UK’s hosting of a significant AI conference this autumn as a positive.
“One of the reasons I think it’s a good idea is to explore all the different regulatory options and try to bring together the leading nations,” he says.
Europe and America should at least attempt to work together on this issue.
As a concluding inquiry, I inquired whether AI could have performed his duties as prime minister.
“No. It was impossible,” he says with a smile.
Nevertheless, there are aspects of his position where AI would have been useful, he claims.
It could make decision-making significantly more effective. It could supplant several government processes.
“Around the world, for instance, people are already utilizing AI for planning, and one country in Europe is utilizing it to handle minor claims instead of costly court proceedings.
“In the end, it is probably best to view it as a tool for decision-makers.
In the end, however, decision-making must remain in the hands of humans, though they will be much better informed by technology.
Sir Tony informs me as he departs that his children have asked artificial intelligence to create a rap song using the text of one of his speeches.
Was it enjoyable? He doesn’t say…
