In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform our daily lives, bringing both spectacular advancements and formidable challenges. This technological phenomenon is not limited to a simple rise in the power of digital tools, but raises profound questions about ethics, intellectual property, and social impact. This article explores the significant achievements of AI, examines its crucial issues, and looks at the realities looming on the horizon.
Significant technological advancements
In the field of biochemistry, the year 2024 saw the software AlphaFold, developed by DeepMind, revolutionizing the way protein structures are predicted. This program significantly accelerates medical research, facilitating the discovery of new treatments and materials. Thanks to its visualization module, AlphaFold provides accurate results by converging from a simple atomic representation to a sophisticated molecular structure. The creators of this technology were even honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, confirming the colossal impact of their innovation.
Innovations for natural disaster prevention
The consequences of climate change have led to the implementation of prediction systems for natural disasters. Google’s Flood Hub tool, used in 80 countries, illustrates how AI can analyze climate data in real-time, enabling early evacuations and preventive measures, thereby saving lives. However, limitations remain, particularly when models lack reliable data, which can reduce their effectiveness in certain critical situations.
Video creation made accessible
Advancements in AI for multimedia content production have resulted in tools like Runway AI and Stability AI, which allow for the production of exceptionally high-quality videos in record time. These innovations could disrupt the film and advertising industries by facilitating the creation of appealing content. By visually exploring our past through AI, bold projects will recreate forgotten historical events, enriching our collective understanding.
Agricultural optimization through AI
The integration of AI in agriculture is rapidly developing. Intelligent drones monitor crop growth, identify resource needs, and alert to early signs of disease. These technologies also provide new and accurate mapping of the territory, promoting more efficient management of agricultural operations. The Lidar HD program, supported by IGN, is a significant example of access to reliable and accessible 3D data.
Ethical and legal challenges of AI
With the development of generative AIs, challenges such as copyright infringement have emerged. Tools like deepfakes exploit protected works without consent, leading to significant legal concerns. This context has led to an increase in lawsuits against industry giants, such as Open AI, to protect creators and their intellectual property.
Large-scale misinformation
The growing sophistication of deepfakes enables the spread of false information, jeopardizing the integrity of online information. During election periods, for example, doctored videos of candidates have circulated, exacerbating the phenomenon. In light of this reality, it has become crucial to strengthen critical thinking among citizens and to implement sanctions against these harmful practices.
The consequences for employment
The rapid development of AI technologies raises concerns about job loss. Various sectors are experiencing automation, triggering protests against the threat that AI poses to certain jobs, such as taxi driving or translation. The rise of synthetic voices generated by AI in the dubbing industry is a striking illustration of this, raising questions about the future of language professionals.
Concerns about surveillance and repression
Authoritarian regimes have a strong tendency to use AI to monitor citizens and repress dissenters. Facial recognition systems are employed to identify protesters, leading to arbitrary arrests. China, in particular, continues to enhance its surveillance systems, exploiting vast available databases to anticipate and control individual behavior.
The rise of major tech players
The battle for AI is accompanied by an increased concentration of resources in the hands of a few large tech companies. Giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are well-positioned to profit from advances in AI, limiting opportunities for small businesses. However, innovative initiatives are emerging worldwide, including in Africa and Europe, promising to challenge this status quo in innovation.
A promising but concerning future vision
Despite the impressive advancements that AI brings in various fields, the technological landscape of 2024 is complex and filled with challenges. Technologies are evolving at a breakneck pace, creating both great promises and real threats to humanity. A balance must be found to ensure that the potential of AI is harnessed for the common good while preserving the fundamental values of our society.
