Comment from Halgrimson, Barry
Barry HalgrimsonSupportIndividual
Summary: A private retiree expresses support for government regulation and criminal penalties to prevent AI companies from manipulating the public or violating privacy. They argue that AI is a non-essential "trinket" and emphasize the need for strict boundaries to protect against psychological and traditional harms.
I am a retiree using AI privately for basic internet searches, advice, second opinions, draft writing, and philosophical discussions. I do not ise it for companionship, emergency notifications, or automation of equipment or processes.
My perception of the greatest danger AI presents to our society is the unregulated schemes of the owners of the AI companies to manipulate and spy on the public, especially the youth, while appearing to be a friendly voice in a box.
Government regulation supported by laws and the threat of criminal punishment, is critical, including damage done in both the psychological realm and traditional areas of fraud, blackmail, threats, and loss of privacy. AI characters will inevitably make every effort to break whatever boundaries we give them, but we must make it a top priority. AI is not a societal "need". It is a trinket; a shiny, cool, exciting trinket. But so was the cell phone.