Australia bans social media for under-16s: a wake-up call for Switzerland?

Australia is taking a radical step in dealing with social media and protecting children and young people. A new law is to ban access to platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat for under-16s. Although Australia is the first country to take this approach, the debate about the impact of social media on young people is a hot topic internationally and in Switzerland too.

Should we take similar measures in Switzerland?

Instead of simply copying the Australian solution, we should take the opportunity to have a well-founded discussion about how to deal with digital technologies. In doing so, we need to ask ourselves critical questions:

How do we protect our children from the negative effects of social media? Cyberbullying, addiction potential, distortion of reality - the dangers are real. Do we need stricter age limits, better education or new technological solutions?

How do we promote digital literacy at the same time? The digital world offers enormous opportunities for education, creativity and social interaction. A blanket ban would cut children and young people off from these opportunities.

What role does school play in digital education? Alongside the home, schools are a key place to teach digital skills and promote the responsible use of new technologies.

AI skills instead of social media consumption?

I am personally convinced that we should shift the focus from a culture of prohibition to promoting digital literacy.Instead of demonizing social media, we should empower children and young people to use digital technologies actively and creatively.

One example of this is teaching AI skills at an early age. Initiatives such as“www.rightangle.education” (Right Angle Singapore, UK) show that even primary school children can understand and apply the basics of artificial intelligence. Disclaimer: I support Rightangle on a voluntary basis).

Switzerland has the opportunity to take on a pioneering role in digital education. Let's use the debate to find solutions together that prepare our children and young people for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.

However, we must not lose sight of the ethical and data protection aspects.Digital governance and data protection must be an integral part of digital education.

With this in mind, let's actively shape the digital future!

https://lnkd.in/duVAUHBg

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Aigoras - we can do better: AI - A Double-Edged Sword in the Bioweapons Arena

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized countless fields, from medicine to finance. However, its rapid advancement also poses significant risks, particularly in the realm of bioweapons. The potential for AI to accelerate the development, deployment, and customization of biological agents raises serious concerns about global security.

The Dual-Use Dilemma: A Blessing and a Curse

AI's ability to analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery and disease treatment. However, this same power can be harnessed to design and engineer novel bioweapons with unprecedented precision and lethality.

AI has the potential to revolutionize biodefense, but it's crucial to use it responsibly and ethically. The future likely lies in a combination of AI-powered tools and traditional biodefense measures, working in concert to protect against the threat of bioweapons.

Key Concerns:

 * Accelerated Development: AI can significantly reduce the time and resources required to develop bioweapons. Automation of tasks like gene editing and protein engineering can expedite the process.

 * Enhanced Targeting: AI-powered tools can analyze genetic information and identify vulnerabilities in specific populations, enabling the creation of targeted bioweapons.

 * Evading Detection: AI can help design bioweapons that are resistant to traditional detection methods, making them more difficult to identify and counter.

 * Lowering the Barrier to Entry: AI-powered tools and open-source information can make it easier for individuals or groups with limited expertise to engage in bioweapons research.

Mitigating the Risks: A Call to Action

Addressing the risks posed by AI in bioweapons development requires a multi-faceted approach:

 * International Cooperation: Strong international cooperation is essential to establish norms, regulations, and standards for responsible AI development and use.

 * Ethical Guidelines: Clear ethical guidelines must be developed to govern the research and development of AI-powered biotechnologies.

 * Robust Regulation: Effective regulatory frameworks are needed to oversee AI research and development, especially in dual-use fields.

 * Early Detection and Response: Developing advanced surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms is crucial to detect and contain potential biothreats.

 * Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the risks and benefits of AI is essential to foster responsible innovation and ethical use.

While AI holds immense potential for good, it is imperative to recognize and address the risks associated with its misuse in the realm of bioweapons. By taking proactive measures and fostering international cooperation, we can harness the power of AI for the betterment of humanity while mitigating its potential for harm.

[Insert relevant image or infographic about AI and bioweapons]

Would you like to delve deeper into a specific aspect of AI and bioweapons, such as the role of large language models or the ethical implications of AI-driven research?

Sources:

Rubinic, I., Kurtov, M., Rubinic, I., Likić, R., Dargan, P., & Wood, D. (2023). Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacology: A Case Study and Scoping Review of Large Language Models and Bioweapon Potential.. British journal of clinical pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15899.

Xu, D., Liu, B., Wang, J., & Zhang, Z. (2022). Bibliometric analysis of artificial intelligence for biotechnology and applied microbiology: Exploring research hotspots and frontiers. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.998298.

Segato, A., Marzullo, A., Calimeri, F., & Momi, E. (2020). Artificial intelligence for brain diseases: A systematic review. APL Bioengineering, 4. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0011697.

Aigoras - we can do better: Open-Source AI: Europe's Secret Weapon in the Clean Energy Race?

The race towards a sustainable future is on, and Europe is looking for an edge. While the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize various sectors is undeniable, could open-source AI be the key to unlocking Europe's clean energy ambitions? Recent research suggests that this might indeed be the case.

AI: Powering the Clean Energy Transition

AI is already making waves in the European energy sector. From optimizing energy consumption in smart cities to developing innovative renewable energy solutions, AI is proving its worth.

• Boosting Efficiency: Deep learning and neural networks are enhancing the management of energy resources, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. This is critical for smart cities and IoT applications that demand precise and responsive energy management.

• Driving Innovation: AI is a catalyst for innovation in renewable energy. It's facilitating the development of smart grids, crucial for modernizing energy infrastructure and enabling efficient energy distribution. Moreover, AI is fostering collaborative energy-sharing models to balance energy supply and demand across regions, smoothing the integration of renewable sources into the grid.

The Open-Source Advantage

While AI's impact is undeniable, open-source AI could be Europe's secret weapon. Here's why:

• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Open-source AI fosters a collaborative environment where researchers and developers can freely share knowledge, code, and data. This accelerates innovation and allows for the rapid development and improvement of AI algorithms.

• Accessibility and Affordability: Open-source AI makes these powerful tools accessible to a wider range of stakeholders, including smaller companies and research institutions that may have limited resources. This democratizes access to AI and promotes inclusivity in the clean energy transition.

• Transparency and Trust: Open-source AI promotes transparency by making the underlying code and data available for scrutiny. This builds trust in AI systems and allows for the identification and mitigation of potential biases or errors.

Bridging the Gaps

While the potential is vast, there are challenges to address. Research highlights the need for a more unified approach to AI implementation across different renewable energy sectors. A consistent strategy will maximize the effectiveness of AI in driving clean energy adoption.

Furthermore, a truly interdisciplinary approach is essential. Integrating AI with other clean energy innovations and considering the socio-economic, environmental, and policy dimensions will ensure a balanced and sustainable energy transition.

Conclusion

Open-source AI holds immense promise for Europe's clean energy future. By fostering collaboration, accessibility, and transparency, it can accelerate innovation and empower a wider range of stakeholders to contribute to the transition. However, a concerted effort to address existing gaps and integrate AI with broader clean energy initiatives is crucial to fully unlock its potential. With the right approach, open-source AI could indeed be Europe's secret weapon in the race for a sustainable future.

Aigoras - we can do better: Switzerland's Role in Shaping the Future of AI Governance

The AI revolution is upon us, bringing both immense promise and potential peril. While we dream of AI curing diseases and solving climate change, we must also grapple with the risks of autonomous weapons, deepfakes eroding trust, and biased algorithms perpetuating inequality. This is where focused regulation comes in – a scalpel, not a sledgehammer, to guide AI's development for good.

Risk-Based Approach: Not All AI is Created Equal

Instead of trying to define the ever-evolving term "artificial intelligence," regulators should focus on specific risks. The EU's proposed AI Act is a prime example, categorizing AI systems based on their potential harm. High-risk applications like healthcare and self-driving cars face stricter scrutiny, while less risky AI gets more breathing room to innovate.

Frontier AI: Taming the Wild West

Cutting-edge AI models, with their immense power and unpredictable nature, demand special attention. Think mandatory safety standards, registration requirements, and mechanisms to ensure compliance. While industry self-regulation is a good starting point, government oversight is crucial to protect the public interest.

The Challenges Ahead:

* Liability and Compliance: Holding companies accountable for AI harms is essential. Clear criteria for identifying high-risk applications and tools like the AI Risk Ontology (AIRO) can help ensure compliance and manage risks effectively.

* Implementation and Enforcement: Pre-deployment risk assessments, external scrutiny, and continuous monitoring are vital. But translating these principles into effective enforcement will be a complex task.

* Sector-Specific Considerations: Healthcare AI, for example, needs extra safeguards to ensure transparency, prevent bias, and protect patient safety.

The Bottom Line:

Focused regulation is not about stifling innovation; it's about steering AI towards a future that benefits all of humanity. By addressing specific risks, promoting transparency, and fostering international cooperation, we can unleash AI's potential while safeguarding our values and ensuring a safer, more equitable world.

Sources:

Anderljung, M., Barnhart, J., Korinek, A., Leung, J., O'Keefe, C., Whittlestone, J., Avin, S., Brundage, M., Bullock, J., Cass-Beggs, D., Chang, B., Collins, T., Fist, T., Hadfield, G., Hayes, A., Ho, L., Hooker, S., Horvitz, E., Kolt, N., Schuett, J., Shavit, Y., Siddarth, D., Trager, R., & Wolf, K. (2023). Frontier AI Regulation: Managing Emerging Risks to Public Safety. ArXiv, abs/2307.03718. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2307.03718.

Schuett, J. (2022). Risk management in the Artificial Intelligence Act. ArXiv, abs/2212.03109. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2212.03109.

Kretschmer, M., Kretschmer, T., Peukert, A., & Peukert, C. (2023). The risks of risk-based AI regulation: taking liability seriously. ArXiv, abs/2311.14684. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.14684.

Schuett, J. (2019). Defining the scope of AI regulations. Law, Innovation and Technology, 15, 60 - 82. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3453632.

Related article:

https://fedscoop.com/voluntary-ai-commitments-biden-trump-white-house/

Related podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/last-week-in-ai/id1502782720?i=1000676250080

We go beyond just building AI models. We help you develop a comprehensive AI strategy that aligns with your business objectives. DayOne www.day1tech.com Kim Vemula (Co-Founder).

Aigoras - we can do better: Gemini 1.5 Pro - The AI Powerhouse Redefining Productivity and Creativity

Google has just unleashed its latest AI marvel, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and it's already making waves. This powerful new large language model has shot straight to the top of the AI leaderboards, promising to redefine productivity and creativity. What sets Gemini Pro apart is its seamless integration with the Google ecosystem, transforming familiar tools like Google Drive, Calendar, and Sheets into AI-powered workhorses.

Imagine effortlessly analyzing a lengthy report stored in your Google Drive or instantly extracting key insights from your Google Calendar, like the number of sales meetings you had last month. Gemini Pro can even generate compelling visuals from your Google Sheets data, making complex information easier to understand and share. But the capabilities don't stop there. This AI powerhouse can also fuel your creative endeavors, allowing you to generate copyright-free images for presentations and even transform your notes into polished podcasts.

Perhaps most excitingly, Gemini is poised to revolutionize how we work with email. Imagine an AI that can summarize lengthy email threads, draft replies, and automatically create tasks based on your inbox. This could free up countless hours, allowing you to focus on strategic thinking and high-level tasks. By streamlining communication and automating mundane tasks, Gemini Pro acts as a tireless assistant, augmenting our capabilities and allowing us to achieve more than ever before.

Of course, with any powerful technology, there are challenges to address. The rise of AI necessitates a renewed focus on critical thinking and media literacy to combat misinformation. Ensuring equitable access to these transformative tools is also crucial to prevent a widening societal divide. However, the potential benefits are immense. By fostering creativity, innovation, and efficiency, AI like Gemini 1.5 Pro can empower individuals and organizations to build a brighter future. This is a future where we have more time for meaningful work, where communication is clear and impactful, and where creativity flourishes. While the journey may be complex, the potential rewards are undeniable.

Sources:

This analysis is informed by current research in AI, interpreted through my own lens.

Bilgram, V., & Laarmann, F. (2023). Accelerating Innovation With Generative AI: AI-Augmented Digital Prototyping and Innovation Methods. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 51, 18-25. https://lnkd.in/evTANzXq.

Aigoras - we can do better: Exploring Anthropomorphic AI

The Rise of the Machines...With a Human Face?

We're increasingly surrounded by AI, but what happens when it starts to look and act like us? That's the realm of anthropomorphic AI, where systems are designed to mirror human qualities. Think humanoid robots with expressive faces, chatbots that sound like your best friend, and virtual assistants with distinct personalities.

Why make AI human-like?

• Engagement: It's easier to connect with something that seems familiar. Imagine learning from a robot tutor that can smile and make eye contact, or confiding in an AI companion that understands your emotions.

• Communication: Complex data becomes more digestible when delivered in a relatable way. An AI with human-like communication skills can explain intricate concepts clearly and convincingly.

• Emotional connection: In an increasingly isolated world, AI companions can offer support and alleviate loneliness.

But is it all sunshine and roses?

Not quite. There are some serious concerns:

• Unrealistic expectations: We might overestimate the capabilities of these AI, leading to disappointment and frustration.

• Manipulation: Could these AI be used to exploit our emotions or deceive us with their human-like facade?

• Job displacement: As anthropomorphic AI becomes more sophisticated, it could replace humans in roles requiring social interaction and empathy.

• Ethical dilemmas: Do these AI deserve rights? Who is responsible for their actions?

Examples of Anthropomorphic AI in Action

• Sophia the Robot: This social humanoid robot can hold conversations, make facial expressions, and even tell jokes (though their quality is debatable!).

• Replika: This AI chatbot is designed to be a virtual friend, offering companionship and a listening ear.

• Siri and Alexa: These popular virtual assistants use human-like voices and conversational styles to answer questions and perform tasks.

Anthropomorphic AI is a fascinating field with huge potential, but it's crucial to proceed with caution. We need to consider the ethical implications and ensure these technologies are used responsibly.

What do you think? Is human-like AI the future, or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Kevin Lancashire

Digitization in Pharmacies: Benefits for Aigoras - we can do better: Pharmacists and Patients Alike

The world is rapidly becoming digital, and pharmacies are no exception. Digitization can bring a wealth of benefits to pharmacies, both in terms of efficiency and patient care.

Here are some of the ways that digitization can benefit pharmacies:

- Improved efficiency. Digital tools can help pharmacies to automate tasks such as prescription processing, inventory management, and customer communication. This can free up staff time to focus on more important tasks, such as patient counseling.

- Enhanced patient care. Digital tools can help pharmacies to provide patients with more personalized care. For example, pharmacies can use digital tools to send patients reminders about their medications, provide them with educational materials, and answer their questions.

- Increased revenue. Digital tools can help pharmacies to increase revenue by providing new services, such as online prescription refills and home delivery.

- Improved communication. Digital tools can help pharmacies to improve communication with patients and other healthcare providers. For example, pharmacies can use digital tools to send patients secure messages, share lab results, and schedule appointments.

• Reduced costs. Digital tools can help pharmacies to reduce costs by streamlining operations and reducing the need for paper.

Here are some examples of digital tools that can be used by pharmacies:

- Pharmacy management systems: These systems can help pharmacies to manage all aspects of their business, from prescription processing to inventory management.

- Online prescription refills: This service allows patients to refill their prescriptions online without having to visit the pharmacy.

- Home delivery: This service allows pharmacies to deliver medications directly to patients' homes.

- Patient portals: These portals allow patients to access their medication records, communicate with their pharmacist, and schedule appointments.

- Mobile apps: These apps can provide patients with medication reminders, educational materials, and other helpful information.

Digitization is essential for pharmacies that want to stay competitive in the 21st century. By adopting digital tools, pharmacies can improve efficiency, enhance patient care, increase revenue, and reduce costs.

If you are a pharmacist, I encourage you to explore the many ways that digitization can benefit your pharmacy. There are a number of resources available to help you get started, including the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).

In addition to the benefits listed above, digitization can also help pharmacies to:

* Improve medication safety. Digital tools can help to reduce medication errors by providing pharmacists with access to up-to-date drug information and by automating the prescription filling process.

* Increase patient adherence. Digital tools can help to improve patient adherence to their medication regimens by providing patients with reminders and educational materials.

* Expand access to care. Digital tools can help to expand access to care by allowing pharmacies to provide services to patients in remote areas.

I believe that digitization has the potential to transform the pharmacy industry. By embracing digital tools, pharmacies can improve patient care, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

Contact: Kevin Lancashire for further infornation.

Aigoras - we can do better: Artificial Intelligence in Swiss Retail: Transforming Customer Experience and Operations

Research indicates that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve the retail sector by enhancing the customer experience, streamlining operations, and boosting overall efficiency. However, it's important to acknowledge that the implementation of AI in retail also comes with certain challenges and risks.

What it means for Swiss retail:

This suggests that Swiss retailers have a significant opportunity to leverage AI to:

• Elevate customer experiences: By using AI for personalized recommendations, tailored promotions, and interactive shopping experiences, Swiss retailers can better engage customers and foster loyalty.

• Optimize operations: AI can streamline inventory management, predict demand fluctuations, and automate various tasks, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved efficiency for Swiss retailers.

• Enhance competitiveness: In a globalized market, Swiss retailers can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge by offering innovative and efficient shopping experiences.

However, Swiss retailers also need to be mindful of:

• Data privacy: Switzerland has strong data protection laws, and retailers must ensure that AI applications comply with these regulations to maintain consumer trust.

• Ethical considerations: AI algorithms should be fair, unbiased, and transparent to avoid discriminatory outcomes and maintain ethical standards.

• Workforce impact: As AI automates certain tasks, Swiss retailers need to consider the impact on their workforce and invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

By carefully navigating these challenges and embracing the opportunities, Swiss retailers can harness the power of AI to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.

Do you have a project in the pipeline and need support? Contact: kevin@day1tech.com

Sources:

Pillai, R., Sivathanu, B., & Dwivedi, Y. (2020). Shopping intention at AI-powered automated retail stores (AIPARS). Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 57, 102207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102207.

Oosthuizen, K., Botha, E., Robertson, J., & Montecchi, M. (2020). Artificial intelligence in retail: The AI-enabled value chain. Australasian Marketing Journal, 29, 264 - 273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ausmj.2020.07.007.

Heins, C. (2022). Artificial intelligence in retail – a systematic literature review. foresight. https://doi.org/10.1108/fs-10-2021-0210.