Data, Trust & Information
Tolga Kurtoglu
Tolga Kurtoglu, CEO of PARC, a Xerox Company, provided an interesting overview of AI’s current role in society, its ubiquitous nature, and the issues with black box decision making. Currently, AI’s biggest barrier is society’s inherent lack of trust for machine-based decision making, coupled with an unclear liability for AI based decisions. Mr. Kurtoglu explained that the key component to successful AI integration into society will be creating an AI that can explain its actions and decisions to those affected by its judgements. This rationale is a core component of the trust-based relationship we must have with AI moving forward. As Tolga explained, “the best way to predict the future is to build it.”
Written by Peter Murphy (University of Toronto)
Alex Lvovsky
Dr. Lvovsky’s talk focused on how traditional computing frameworks are beginning to reach the physical limitations for computational power. These limitations are problematic given that we are creating machines today that require more computational power than ever before to operate effectively. He further explained that while machines are moving closer to having human-level intelligence, humans are also becoming more reliant on machines interfaces. This shift towards machine dependence is grounded in a belief that we will continue to exponentially increase our computational power. However, traditional computing frameworks will not allow for this exponential growth of computational power to be realized. According to Dr. Lvovsky, this is where quantum computing adds value since it allows for a tremendous increase in computational power. Quantum computing is an emerging technology in which information can exist in multiple states while simultaneously providing the computer with an ability to solve very large numbers of problems at the same time. Although it has the potential to be used for cyberwarfare or other mischievous activities, quantum technologies have thus far been used to establish impenetrable banking security and enhanced communications.
Written by Mark O'Reilly (Western University)