Due Diligence Considerations for Scientists, Commanders, and Politicians As They Explore AI Opportunities for Defense
“Due Diligence Considerations for Scientists, Commanders, and Politicians As They Explore AI Opportunities for Defense”
Speaker: Kostopoulos, L. (LK Cyber)
Date: 29 January 2019
Speaker Session Preview
SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos (LK Cyber) as a part of its SMA DHS Speaker Series. To begin, Dr. Kostopoulos spoke about humans’ overconfidence in the validity of technology. She stated that the data that we provide artificial intelligence (AI) devices reflects our personal biases. Therefore, we need to be cautious and skeptical when putting our trust in algorithms. Dr. Kostopoulous also explained that, although accumulating a sufficient amount of data before trusting the validity of AI is important, more data is not always the solution; we will often need to know when and how to correct algorithms to eliminate inherent biases embedded within the data. She proceeded to present the ways in which AI has been and could be used for adversarial purposes. Dr. Kostopoulos also discussed the concerns surrounding the reduction of human agency as decisions are increasingly delegated to algorithms. After discussing her Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) Human Involvement Table in detail, she emphasized that we should not assume that our algorithmic approaches will be identical to those of our adversaries. Just as our doctrine is different, so will the thinking behind the data organization, algorithmic design, and adversarial examples. She also stated that we must adequately prepare for the unexpected to occur when developing AI technologies. Dr. Kostopoulos concluded her brief by stating that commanders, policy makers, and scientists must not only think about what AI can do to benefit humans; they must also think about the risks involving the use of AI.
Speaker Session Audio File
Unfortunately, due to a technical error, an audio file for this speaker session is unavailable.
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos (@LKCYBER) works at the intersection of people, strategy, technology, education, and national security. She has addressed United Nations member states on the military effects panel at the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) meeting on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS).
Dr. Kostopoulos’ career spans three continents, multiple countries, and diverse multicultural environments. She has served as Director for Strategic Engagement at the College of Information and Cyberspace at the National Defense University, a Principal Consultant for PA, and a higher education professor teaching national security at several universities. She lectures at the National Defense University and the Joint Special Operations University, serves on the IEEE-USA AI Policy Committee, and participates in NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Program. During the Obama administration, she received the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her pro bono work in cybersecurity.
Her work focuses on disruptive technology convergence, innovation, technology ethics, and national security. She is also the creator of #ArtAboutAI, a reflective art series exploring AI and ethics, and the upcoming game Sapien2.0, which addresses emerging technology and ethics. More information is available at www.lkcyber.com.
Social Media:
Twitter: @LKCYBER
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lydiak
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