Chief scientist Alan Finkel: Why we need a ‘Turing Stamp’ for AI organisations and products

Here’s a question: do you consider yourself to be a trusting person? Or let me put it another way: would you put your life in the hands of a total stranger?

You do. Hundreds if not thousands of times, every day. Take me, for example.

This morning I woke up. I switched on the light, trusting that I wouldn’t be electrocuted by a faulty lamp, or cord, or socket. I prepared my breakfast, trusting that I wouldn’t be poisoned by salmonella in my factory-processed muesli.

I walked from my hotel across Elizabeth Street in peak hour. Hundreds of cars bearing down on me. Sydney drivers. And nothing to protect me except a red light and a white line.

All of these decisions make sense to us, because we know that we live in a society where human behaviour is governed by conventions and rules.

That capacity to trust in unknown humans, not because of a belief in our innate goodness, but because of the systems that we humans have made, is the true genius of our species.

We can collaborate, and innovate — because we can trust.

Now let’s replace a fellow human in these day to day interactions with artificial intelligence: AI. What would it take for you to put the same level of trust in AI as you would extend to a human?

To chat with your child? To drive your taxi? To read your brain scan? To scan your face at a concert, at work, or in a supermarket? Read more

Smart Company - 21 May 2018