
Hot Chips, Exploitation in AI and ’Is it a bird, is it a plane? No it’s Supercomputer!’
too long didn’t readShow Notes
This week Smera explains to Jonah some of the intricacies of the global 'Chip War'. They explore claims of labour exploitation in the name of AI safety, and discuss how many whales you can fit inside a supercomputer. Smera tells us how deepfakes are being used for good during Diwali and the team enjoy a brand new DJ GEF inspired remix of the intro music.
Too long didn't read, brought to you by The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and AI. The weekly podcast that reads the week's big AI stories so you don't have to.
With new developments in artificial intelligence happening at lightning speed, it can be hard to keep up. That's where too long didn't read comes in. We know you're busy, so we'll get right to the main points on how breakthroughs in machine learning, neural networks, and other AI systems could impact your life. No AI degree required! We're not here for hype or fear mongering. Just balanced coverage to keep you up-to-date. Think of us as your shortcut to AI literacy. Join us as we read between the lines on artificial intelligence every week right here on too long didn't read.
Episode sources
SOURCES
CHIPS US orders immediate halt to some AI chip exports to China, Nvidia says - BBC News Nvidia and iPhone maker Foxconn tie-up to build ‘AI factories’ (ft.com) (from last week) US-China chip war: Beijing unhappy at latest wave of US restrictions - BBC News (from last week) Exclusive: ChatGPT-owner OpenAI is exploring making its own AI chips | Reuters Baidu order AI chips from Huawei
EXPLOITATION Mhairi Aitken’s Turing Lecture OpenAI Used Kenyan Workers on Less Than $2 Per Hour: Exclusive | Time - Jan 23 The Exploited Labor Behind Artificial Intelligence (noemamag.com) - Oct 22 https://restofworld.org/2021/refugees-machine-learning-big-tech/ https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/28/18285572/prison-labor-finland-artificial-intelligence-data-tagging-vainu https://srinstitute.utoronto.ca/news/the-data-production-dispositif https://media.nature.com/original/magazine-assets/d41586-020-02003-2/d41586-020-02003-2.pdf Radical AI Alphabet Union The trauma floor - Feb 2019
SUPERCOMPUTER
Bristol and Cambs to host supercomputers What is a supercomputer Cooling of Isambard Exec order
More from too long didn’t read
For the final episode of series two, Jonah puts this year's most searched for AI questions to Smera - What is AI? Are AI detectors accurate? Has AI passed the Turing test? When will AI take over? Is AI good? Although the questions seem relatively straightforward at first glance, you might be surprised how insightful Smera's answers are...
We began this series with an introduction to misinformation. What is it? How does it spread on social media? And what impact could it have on elections in this election packed year? As we begin to conclude this series, Smera and Jonah invite Sam Stockwell from the Turing’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) to answer our burning questions, and yours - did misinformation affect this years elections? Also, on this episode Smera and Jonah take a short trip into orbit, find that it is getting a bit crowded and explore how AI could be the key to keeping our galactic mess under control.
It's spooky Halloween and this month, Jonah and Smera are joined by experts in digital culture and heritage, Dr. Jenny Kidd of Cardiff University and Dr Eva Nieto McAvoy of King’s College London, to explore the eerie intersection of AI and digital immortality. Plus, Jonah and Smera break down the basics of quantum computing amid claims that 2025 is going to be a breakthrough year for the field, and the pair take a look at how AI is helping job seekers find work.
Join Jonah and Smera as they dive into current AI and data science news.This month, we're focusing on AI in law enforcement: what are the potential dangers and societal implications? We're joined by special guest and expert in human-AI interaction, Dr. Melina Kunar, as she shares her insights on the profound impact AI can have in fields like healthcare and law enforcement. And, having attended the plenary session with the Council of Europe, Smera gives us the scoop on the AI Treaty - the first international treaty addressing AI risks and its implications for our fundamental rights. Plus: Jonah and Smera discuss the myriad misadventures of dual-use technology.
This month, Smera and Jessie dive deep into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories, welcoming Chris Thomas from the Turing to discuss the controversial "dead internet theory." They explore the notion that much of the internet is now a fabricated landscape, questioning the authenticity of online interactions and content.