As technology develops at a rapid pace, AI dangers continue to present concerns for businesses.
The latest innovation involves AI built directly into the devices we know and love – cell phones, laptops and tablets.
“In the earlier days, it was a service in a web browser or off in the cloud somewhere,” says John Joyce, co-owner of CRS Technology Consultants. “Now, it’s getting down to our devices, the things we literally pick up, hold and use every day.”
John recently had an opportunity to share his thoughts about AI dangers during a Tech Bytes segment on ABC7. During that conversation, John noted Apple, Microsoft, Meta and other tech companies are now integrating AI, including ChatGPT, into our pockets, backpacks and briefcases.
“AI is coming to these devices,” John says, warning consumers that AI’s emergence has both positives and negatives.
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What is built-in AI
Devices have included some elements of AI for many years. For instance, predictive text can help finish words, sentences and Google queries while users are typing. Sophisticated programs use browsing and purchasing history to offer shopping suggestions. John covered some history of AI in a recent blog: Too soon for AI, ChatGPT to take over?
In recent months, two brands have generated international buzz among consumers and security specialists for building AI into devices.
Apple Products
In June 2024, Apple introduced its new Apple Intelligence, which also goes by the acronym “AI.” The California tech company describes its AI as “the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant.”
John addressed Apple’s AI during his appearance on ABC7: “Apple had a good idea for years what an iPad should be or what it’s supposed to do. Now, Apple Intelligence is their riff on AI. It will bring more of that AI-based smarts to the things we’re already used to using. Siri might get a little bit smarter. The photos that you take can be touched up a little easier.”
Microsoft Products
In March 2024, Washington-based Microsoft announced “the release of two new AI-powered PCs,” the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10. The buzz, as John notes, was about AI being “baked into the operating system.”
The devices included Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, which created a photographic memory of computer activity by taking screenshots every few seconds. The “Recall” feature would help catalogue data to guide future actions. Unfortunately, IT experts worldwide pointed out potential risks.
“Microsoft had to recall ‘Recall’ at the last minute because security concerns were raised by researchers,” John says. “The problem is that information would be stored in a database. If a hacker got ahold of that information, it could be used against you.”
Solid State Podcast: A review of Microsoft’s Surface Copilot Plus PCs
AI dangers are persistent
The Microsoft “Recall” issue offers yet another reminder that technological innovation should not outpace the speed of digital security. Tesla CEO Elon Musk questioned whether he should prohibit employees from bringing Apple devices into the workplace because of security concerns. Businesses large and small have to focus on cybersecurity. Employees often pull up work documents on home computers that may not have an appropriate firewall or antivirus software. This potentially subjects businesses to a data breach.
“Security should be at the top of our minds, no matter what you are using or how you are using it,” John says. “These devices and services are made powerful because of our information. AI gets smarter the more it learns about us. We have to give it permission to see all of our photos, to read all of our text messages, to index all of our emails. That’s what makes it powerful… that’s also what makes it dangerous if it’s not used or protected correctly.
“AI is just a tool, but in the wrong hands, your information is laid bare to someone who could use it against you or for harm.”
John emphasizes that AI and technological innovations aren’t limited to computers, laptops and tablets. At one time, we just used phones to call friends and family. Now, they are pocket-sized computers. At one time, we used watches to tell time. Now, smart watches can make phone calls, track steps, monitor our sleep and even manage chronic diseases. At one time, glasses helped improve vision or protected eyes from the sun. Now, smart glasses can change perceptions of the world through augmented reality or mixed reality.
“Over the next few years, we’re going to see AI get down to devices that we’re not used to thinking about as computers,” John says.
And that’s exactly how people should view these devices – as mini-computers that need appropriate levels of digital security.
“The more we think about them that way, the better we can protect ourselves,” he says.
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