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Google's 'Duplex' System Will Identify Itself When Talking To People, Says Google (businessinsider.com)
Google's "Duplex" AI system was the most talked about product at Google I/O because it called into question the ethics of an AI that cannot easily be distinguished from a real person's voice. The service lets its voice-based digital assistant make phone calls and write emails for you, causing many to ask if the system should come with some sort of warning to let the other person on the line know they are talking to a computer. According to Business Insider, "a Google spokesperson confirmed [...] that the creators of Duplex will 'make sure the system is appropriately identified' and that they are 'designing this feature with disclosure built-in.'" From the report: Here's the full statement from Google: "We understand and value the discussion around Google Duplex -- as we've said from the beginning, transparency in the technology is important. We are designing this feature with disclosure built-in, and we'll make sure the system is appropriately identified. What we showed at I/O was an early technology demo, and we look forward to incorporating feedback as we develop this into a product."
Google CEO Sundar Pichai preemptively addressed ethics concerns in a blog post that corresponded with the announcement earlier this week, saying: "It's clear that technology can be a positive force and improve the quality of life for billions of people around the world. But it's equally clear that we can't just be wide-eyed about what we create. There are very real and important questions being raised about the impact of technology and the role it will play in our lives. We know the path ahead needs to be navigated carefully and deliberately -- and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to get this right." In addition, several Google insiders have told Business Insider that the software is still in the works, and the final version may not be as realistic (or as impressive) as the demonstration.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai preemptively addressed ethics concerns in a blog post that corresponded with the announcement earlier this week, saying: "It's clear that technology can be a positive force and improve the quality of life for billions of people around the world. But it's equally clear that we can't just be wide-eyed about what we create. There are very real and important questions being raised about the impact of technology and the role it will play in our lives. We know the path ahead needs to be navigated carefully and deliberately -- and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to get this right." In addition, several Google insiders have told Business Insider that the software is still in the works, and the final version may not be as realistic (or as impressive) as the demonstration.
My concern with these type of human imitation is not on the personal assistant side but on the robocall sales side. Telemarketers already have some rudimentary human type robocalls trying to fool you, if and when they get their hands on these bots answering any unknown call will turn to hell.
~~~Please pass the salt, I hate unsalted MD5s
I can't believe they caved. I mean, after firing their engineers because they have different political viewpoints than their uber-politically-correct executives, I would actually bet that they would, but it is disheartening.
There were some who were tripped out traveling so fast on trains when they first came out. In fact, the mayor of NYC cautioned people against trains, claiming they would suffocate from traveling too quickly. This is just like that. Some people will rage against it, but you have to stand by your work. There was nothing unethical these bots were doing.
Google just invented something awesome. Others will build similar bots, and not be so spineless in its deployment. Who cares if its a bot you are talking to? You need the human to perform a task, you interact with said human using a bot, you get the task done. Where is the ethics concern other than after the fact, the human would feel stupid for not identifying the bot as a bot?
You are suffiently ignorant to run a restaurant without online order and reservation system in 2018. But Google is supplying these for you for free rather than customers just going elsewhere with UberEats or OpenTable. Rather than grumbling about having to talk to a robot to get paid, get a hint and give customers a way to do business with you without having to spend 20 minutes on hold and then listen to your thick accent.