Fighting Disinformation
Navigating an AI Future: Insights from Maria Ressa and Chris Wylie
Courage is often demanded in the line of fire even when the warfare has now transitioned into the realm of information. As the ever-evolving landscape of media, technology, and the battle against disinformation begin to bleed together, Rappler, with the partnership of FNF Philippines, treads the frontlines of this treacherous new minefield. In its first in-person Rappler+ gathering of 2023, Rappler and FNF Philippines organized a thought-provoking discussion titled "Navigating an AI Future" featuring two distinguished guests: Maria Ressa, Rappler's CEO and Executive Editor, and Chris Wylie, a data expert and whistleblower who unveiled the inner workings of the notorious Cambridge Analytica.
The discussion hoped to address artificial intelligence and its role, along with the delicate balance of ethics tethered in its utility, in shaping our future. Maria Ressa, a name synonymous with journalistic integrity and resilience, kicked off the discussion. She shared her insights, backed by her experiences at the forefront of two monumental stories: the Philippines' transformation into a guinea pig for political manipulation and the alarming spread of disinformation through social media. Ressa cited how lies propagate six times faster than facts. She emphasized the importance of content moderation but also stressed the need to address the issue at its root, by targeting the sources or the "factory of lies." She likened our current information landscape to the eerie otherworldliness of the upsidedown from "Stranger Things," where shared values like facts and truth seem to be upended or may even be on the verge of extinction. Yet, despite these challenges, she found a glimmer of hope in the Philippines, where a strangely optimistic spirit prevails despite being in the last two minutes of the doomsday clock.
Chris Wylie, on the other hand, brought an international perspective to the discussion. Having worked with liberal organizations in Canada and the UK, Wylie highlighted the alarming patterns he observed in the radicalization of individuals through the internet. His revelations about the collaborative role of tech platforms in radical recruitment, the insidious influence of newsfeed algorithms, and his role in leveraging algorithms for political purposes were eye-opening. Wylie's involvement in the notorious Cambridge Analytica exposed how disinformation became the Uber of our digital era. He spoke about a shift in Western politics after Brexit and Trump and how political data-driven disinformation campaigns were undermining democracies. Wylie stressed that beneath the anger and potential for violence among radicalized groups lies a deeper cycle of conditioning that needs to be addressed.
The conversation veered toward the global impact of tech companies' logic, applying consumer segmentation principles to the entire information ecosystem. The result is digital segregation that could lead to dire consequences. Wylie called for holding tech companies to the same ethical standards as other industries, advocating for regulatory reviews and accountability. He emphasized that we cannot afford to ignore the consequences of tech and AI. The discussion delved into specific instances of tech giants like Facebook failing to take responsibility for the consequences of their platforms. The example of Facebook's involvement in the Myanmar genocide, where the platform facilitated hate speech despite warnings, showcased the need for safety and regulatory frameworks for tech and AI.
Wylie expressed his concern about the integrity of elections, asserting that AI can manipulate individuals by whispering tailored messages. He argued that this leads to people making decisions based on different realities, undermining the very foundation of democracy. The conversation transitioned into a discussion about the role of advertising and brands in addressing these problems. Wylie noted that while there have been joint statements and efforts, brands cannot effectively combat disinformation. Micro-targeting and AI-generated content have stripped individuals of agency, further complicating the situation.
In response to questions about de-ghettoizing and de-segregating society, Wylie emphasized that this cannot happen without rules and regulations. He stressed the importance of involving data scientists, engineers, and architects in the regulatory development process. The event concluded with reflections on the responsibility of individuals, tech companies, and lawmakers in addressing the challenges posed by these new developments. Both Ressa and Wylie underscored the need for collective action, public advocacy, and political engagement to ensure that the power of technology is harnessed for the common good.
In this age of rapid technological advancement, the complex interplay between AI, disinformation, and democracy is one that heeds careful assesment. It is clear that AI is changing the world but it remains the responsibility of those who wield it to ensure that it changes for the better. As history continues to prove how hubris and self-benefit in the careless utility of tools such as AI can be detrimental in the long run, the discussion provided a beacon of hope that our courage and values can help us navigate an AI future with our integrity in tact. Defending democracy has always exceeded the confines of any singular battlefield but, now that the frontlines are immediate to the devices of each citizen, that courage becomes a responsibility that everyone shares.