AI What Ifs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience.

Many years ago, a lot of basic customer support tasks were taken over by computer systems processing automated response systems. They were based on simple “logic tree” programming, where your phone call was being handled by a computer program that gave you simple choices to respond to, and your selection routed you to the next level of the logic tree. Example: 1 for English, 2 for Spanish.

It did not take many years before the position of customer service representative was replaced by computers. Self-checkouts have eliminated many more jobs. The truth is that computer systems have always been about automating functions that were previously done by people. This article is not about the history of computer systems, but rather about where AI is today and some serious concerns I have for what could happen.

During my years developing computer systems, I have worked in these industries: oil & gas, NASA, insurance, banking, manufacturing, automotive cars & parts distribution, retail services, non-profit membership, mortgage & finance, and retail sales. When I say everything regarding your personal information, your transactions, your bank accounts, your credit cards, your health records, your phone calls & text messages, your social media accounts, and your utility usage, including how much electricity you used yesterday. In 2021, the Democrats in DC were able to get detailed information from the banks and credit card companies of everyone making transactions in the DC area over the January 6^th time period, using the FBI and other Federal agencies. They also got information regarding air passengers and car rentals.

Technically, today, not all these systems are directly connected, nor are the data files stored in a central location; however, just understand how quickly a few DOGE guys could use some AI processes to identify billions of dollars spent on projects that those in Congress knew nothing about. They found thousands of dead people still receiving Social Security. With today’s computer processing power, mapping the various systems’ file formats, connections to the various storage systems, and all the data for a person can be extracted and put into a personal report. That can be done for everyone who has a digital footprint.

Most major corporations, local, state, and federal systems use some form of “cloud backup” to store backups of their computer systems’ file data. Those storage systems are “outside” their normal computer environments, and most of the major “computer hacks” in recent years have occurred by hacking into those backups.

As bad as those problems can be, that is not my biggest concern with AI. Computer systems have been used for many years in manufacturing, controlling assembly lines, all kinds of engineering, and machines. They control the exact amount of components feeding into a product, and down to the packaging. Computer systems control every function in most new cars, with some functions that can be turned off by the manufacturer while the auto is in your possession. Your cell phone and/or computer manufacturer can send an update that can make it unfunctional.

What if the AI system used to control the manufacturing of a common food product changed the logic to use a different mixture or include other items not designed, and the product is packaged and sent to distribution? AI, by its definition, means the system is learning new things as it is in operation. What if a peanut product is included in a mix not labeled as a peanut product? What if the AI system in a hospital that controls the flow of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases used in various medical procedures alters the flow of the different gases or changes the volume without the nurse knowing? What if the AI system controlling air traffic systems routed multiple planes into the same space. I know the air traffic control system in use today needs to be replaced, and any new system will use some form of AI.

We already have situations where at least one teenager using a chatbot as a friend got advice from the chatbot about committing suicide. Too many children and adults are sharing information with and treating bots as real people. AI is being used to alter photos and generate fake images of people for social media. Some appear as the girl posing nude. AI can be used to create videos of someone saying fake words.

The question is not if AI can be used for bad or even illegal purposes; it is how we can stop it from causing a really bad disaster that affects vast numbers.