Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and science adviser to President Joe Biden, has made significant contributions to the field of AI. In a recent interview, Prabhakar discussed her journey in AI and the pressing issues facing the technology.
Prabhakar’s interest in big, powerful technologies led her to the field of AI. She recognizes that these technologies have both a bright side and a dark side. As a technical person, she finds fulfillment in creating and driving these technologies, with the understanding that progress comes from getting it right.
When asked about advice for women entering the AI field, Prabhakar’s advice is applicable to anyone interested in AI. She emphasizes that there are many ways to contribute to AI, whether it’s through building the technology, utilizing it for various applications, or working to manage its risks and harms. She also highlights the importance of recognizing the bright and dark sides of AI and encourages individuals to go after big and useful endeavors.
As AI continues to evolve, Prabhakar believes that the most pressing issues lie in ensuring responsible development and harnessing the potential of AI to solve societal challenges. While progress has been made in managing risks and setting guidelines for responsible AI use, there is still work to be done. Prabhakar mentions the president’s executive order and the White House Office of Management and Budget’s guidance as important steps in the right direction. The focus now is on ensuring AI unfolds in a safe, effective, and trustworthy manner while leveraging its potential in areas like healthcare, education, decarbonization, and weather prediction.
Prabhakar advises AI users to be aware of the extent to which AI already influences their lives. From online ads to mortgage applications, AI plays a significant role. While AI offers creativity and scalability, it also poses risks. Prabhakar emphasizes the need for individuals to be smart users in an AI-driven world.
When it comes to responsibly building AI, Prabhakar stresses the importance of recognizing the risks associated with AI systems. Different applications carry different risks, such as the potential for generative AI to warp the information environment or create safety and security problems. She emphasizes the need to ensure that AI is not embedding bias or compromising privacy as it scales. Prabhakar also highlights the implications of AI on work and workers, noting that it can empower workers if implemented correctly.
Overall, Prabhakar’s insights shed light on the journey of a remarkable woman in the AI field and provide valuable advice for anyone interested in AI. The interview also highlights the need for responsible development and utilization of AI to unlock its full potential while managing its risks.