What's New

OpenAI has updated its policy on military use of its AI tools, including ChatGPT, as announced by Anna Makanju, VP of Global Affairs, and CEO Sam Altman at the World Economic Forum. The company's earlier policy barred the use of its models for high-risk physical harm activities, like weapons development or military applications. However, OpenAI has now removed the explicit military ban while still prohibiting usage for causing harm or weapon creation.

This change aligns with OpenAI's new partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on AI and cybersecurity tools. Makanju noted that the previous broad military ban might have excluded beneficial use cases. The spokesperson stated that while the policy still bans harmful uses, it permits certain national security applications in line with OpenAI's mission.

This shift reflects the broader controversy in the tech industry over military collaborations. Tech workers have frequently protested such partnerships. Notable instances include Google staff opposing Project Maven for drone surveillance, Microsoft workers protesting an augmented-reality headset deal with the army, and Amazon and Google employees contesting a cloud computing and AI contract with the Israeli government and military.

 AI's Growing Energy Needs: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the significant energy requirements of future artificial intelligence at a Bloomberg event in Davos. He highlighted that AI will demand much more power than currently anticipated.

Breakthrough in Energy Sources: Altman pointed out the necessity of an energy breakthrough to meet these needs. He suggested that advancements in climate-friendly energy sources, such as nuclear fusion or more efficient solar power and storage, are crucial.

Investment in Fusion Energy: Altman has personally invested $375 million in Helion Energy, a U.S. nuclear fusion company. Helion Energy has agreed to supply energy to Microsoft in the future, which is a major financial supporter of OpenAI and provides it with computing resources.

Advocacy for Nuclear Fission: Additionally, Altman expressed his wish for wider acceptance and use of nuclear fission as an energy source to meet the growing demands of AI technology.

AI in the 21st century is being compared to the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, promising to ease human work like machines did back then.

IMF Analysis on AI's Impact: An analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that AI may transform up to 40% of global jobs, marking a significant shift in the workplace.

Varied Impact Across Countries: The impact of AI varies; advanced economies like the U.S. and Europe face more disruption compared to emerging markets and low-income nations.

Views of IMF Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, notes that AI could boost productivity and growth but also replace jobs at a fast pace.

Influence on Advanced Economies: In advanced economies, 60% of jobs might be affected by AI, with half potentially gaining from increased productivity and the other half facing challenges like job displacement and lower wages.

Emerging Markets and Low-Income Countries: Emerging markets and low-income countries, with lower AI exposure, face fewer immediate disruptions but struggle with infrastructure and skilled workforce, risking wider global inequality.

Global Discussions and Regulations on AI: The World Economic Forum in Davos focuses on AI this year. Globally, AI regulations are still being developed, with the EU recently agreeing on AI legislation and the U.S. evaluating its AI regulatory stance.

AI as Both Tool and Threat: Chief information security officers (CISOs) view generative AI as a disruptive technology with dual potential. It is seen as a useful tool in cybersecurity but also poses significant threats. The debate over its role in security and threat landscapes is ongoing, but it's clear that generative AI is here to stay.

AI Empowers Cyber Adversaries: CISOs recognize that AI, while beneficial, can also aid cybercriminals. A majority (70%) fear that AI will create an asymmetrical battlefield favoring cyber adversaries. Predicted malicious uses include efficient attacks, impersonations for social engineering, and expanding attack surfaces in supply chains.

AI in Cyber Defense: CISOs are optimistic about AI's role in cyber defense. Thirty-five percent are already using AI, and 61% plan to implement it within a year. Applications include security hygiene, data enrichment, and complex tasks like malware analysis and incident response. CISOs are also focusing on staff education in AI and developing their own AI solutions.

AI and Workforce Impact: Contrary to the notion of AI replacing jobs, 86% of CISOs believe it will fill skills gaps and talent shortages in cybersecurity. AI is expected to handle labor-intensive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategic work. CISOs view AI as an augmentation to talent, similar to how they perceive automation.

The Future of AI in Cybersecurity: While uncertainties remain, AI is poised to significantly transform the roles of security professionals and cybercriminals. It's expected to provide security teams with advanced tools for better defense and more efficient processes, while also equipping adversaries with new tactics. CISOs hope that AI will ultimately give them an edge in countering cyber threats.