Peter Eckersley is a renowned computer scientist and the Chief Technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). He has been working on artificial intelligence (AI) for over two decades, and he recently joined the AI Objectives Institute as its first Executive Director. The institute was founded to help ensure that AI technologies are developed responsibly, with respect for human rights and safety.
Eckersley’s career in technology began when he was just 16 years old. He started out writing software for video games before eventually moving into security research. In 2006, he co-founded a startup called ThinkSec that focused on helping companies secure their networks from cyber threats. After selling ThinkSec in 2010, Eckersley went on to become an advisor at Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group where he worked on projects related to privacy and security.
In 2014, Eckersley joined EFF as its Chief Technologist where his work focused primarily on protecting civil liberties online through advocacy efforts such as fighting against government surveillance programs or advocating for stronger encryption standards. During this time, Eckersley also became increasingly interested in AI ethics which led him to join the AI Objectives Institute earlier this year as its first Executive Director.
The mission of the AI Objectives Institute is to promote responsible development of artificial intelligence technologies by providing guidance around ethical considerations such as fairness, transparency, accountability and safety when developing new systems powered by machine learning algorithms or other forms of automated decision making processes. To achieve these goals they plan to conduct research into how existing laws can be applied to emerging technologies; develop best practices guidelines; provide resources such as educational materials; engage with policymakers; host workshops; create public awareness campaigns; collaborate with industry leaders; build partnerships between academia & industry groups etc..
The institute will focus specifically on issues related to autonomous weapons systems (AWS), facial recognition technology (FRT), algorithmic bias/discrimination detection tools etc., all areas where there are potential risks associated with misuse or abuse if not properly regulated or monitored closely enough during development stages . As part of their commitment towards promoting responsible use of these technologies they have already released several documents outlining principles & objectives which should be taken into consideration while designing any system based upon them . These include topics like data privacy , user control , accuracy & reliability , explainability & transparency , accountability etc..
Peter Eckersley believes that it’s important for us all – both individuals & organizations –to take responsibility now so we don’t end up facing serious consequences later due to our negligence today . “We need more people who understand both technology & policy working together in order make sure we get this right,” said Eckersley in an interview about his new role at the institute . “It’s going take collaboration across many different disciplines but I’m confident we can do it .”
As Artificial Intelligence continues becoming more prevalent throughout society it is essential that we start taking steps now towards ensuring that these powerful tools are used responsibly without compromising anyone’s rights or safety . With Peter Eckersly leading the charge at The AI Objectives Institute there is no doubt that progress will be made towards achieving those goals sooner rather than later .
Wired
