How is AI Going to Change Your Life? with Suhair Khan
Emilie Bellet speaks with Suhair Khan, founder of Open-Ended Design and former Google leader. Suhair delves into the basics of AI, debunking common myths and highlighting its transformative potential in healthcare, climate, education, and finance. She also discusses the ethical challenges in AI and shares insights on recent exciting developments and practical applications of the technology.
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INSIGHTS ON AI AND INNOVATION
Suhair believes AI is fundamentally about organising data. She explains that AI uses algorithms to manage and make sense of large data sets. As data increases, more computational power is needed to handle the growing volume and complexity of computations.
Over the last 15-20 years, significant growth in AI has marked what she refers to as the second AI wave. This period saw rapid advancements due to the resources available to large technology companies, allowing them to increase processing power and develop sophisticated AI systems. AI encompasses various subfields such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, all aimed at making sense of vast amounts of data and achieving efficiency.
Suhair finds the term "artificial intelligence" misleading. During her time at Google, she preferred using "machine learning" in communications, as it more accurately described the technology. However, "AI" has become the industry standard, despite its potentially confusing implications.
Suhair also addresses the dual nature of AI's impact on society. The increasing capabilities of AI bring both exciting advancements and potential threats to various aspects of society, business, and governance. The future of AI presents both opportunities and challenges that need careful consideration.
On the topic of intellectual property and innovation, Suhair highlights the unresolved nature of IP, ownership, and trademark issues. In everyday applications like writing books or producing content, the ease of use and quality of outcomes have improved significantly. Yet, the legal landscape remains complex and unsettled.
She points out that leaders in policy at major technology companies, such as Netflix, often rely on fair use law to protect creators. However, the fundamental issue of IP revolves around ideas and their origins in human minds. This has led to ongoing legal battles worldwide involving large technology companies, illustrating the need for clearer regulations and protections in this evolving field.
“But when you think about the creative sector overall, that could be transformative and also destructive in many ways for how we’ve made, written, created, and consented up until this point with our work. And I think once it leaves and shows some content in the creative sector, this is an issue that’s going to confront many other industries, where data, intellectual property, ideas are at the forefront of what holds value.”
CREATIVITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Suhair discusses the profound impact AI is having on creativity and intellectual property, using the Hollywood writer strike as a prime example. This strike, which began last summer and may continue, saw Hollywood actors and writers negotiate with their trade union to ensure their likenesses and scripts would not be used without consent in future productions. This reflects a significant shift in the creative landscape, questioning whether human writers can compete with machines.
This uncertainty about the future of human creativity is mirrored in the legal realm, where laws are struggling to keep pace with technological advancements. Several high-profile legal battles illustrate this point. For instance, The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly using its content to train their algorithms without permission. Similarly, the Authors Guild of America is engaged in legal battles over similar issues. On the flip side, some media companies like The Washington Post and News Corp are capitalising on the situation by striking deals that monetise their content.
Suhair questions what these developments mean for the value of information, news, journalism, and the treasures held by museums and libraries. The value of these resources and who determines it is becoming increasingly complex and contentious. As intellectual property remains an unresolved space, solutions will eventually emerge, but they will take time. In the interim, entities like The New York Times may face losses as they navigate this evolving landscape.
The conversation around AI and creativity is particularly intense because AI challenges the very essence of human imagination and creativity. Artists and creators argue that their unique perspectives stem from lived experiences, years of practice, and the creative process itself, which involves significant effort and repeated attempts. Whether AI can truly replicate or replace this human element is still unknown.
The legal framework for protecting creatives has not caught up with the rapid advancement of AI. This lag is evident in cases like a recent AI-generated song featuring voices resembling Drake and The Weeknd. The song, created by an unknown entity named Ghostwriter, raised numerous questions about royalties and copyright. The current legal system offers no clear solutions for such scenarios, highlighting the urgent need for updated laws to address these new challenges.
CHALLENGES AND USES OF AI
Suhair highlights the dual nature of AI, acknowledging both its potential for misuse and its beneficial applications. One of the significant concerns she raises is the issue of deepfakes and hacking. These technologies can be used for harmful activities, such as creating misleading images or videos, and interfering in elections. Although there are measures in place to counteract these threats, such as the EU Act of 2025, which aims to provide a thoughtful, interdisciplinary, and values-based approach to AI regulation, the challenge remains substantial.
Companies like DeepMind and Adobe are developing tools to recognise AI-generated content. Platforms like Instagram now require users to label AI-generated images. However, this is currently limited to visual assets and videos. Determining the provenance and source of AI-generated content remains a complex issue, posing significant legal and societal challenges.
AI has been misused in multiple elections to mislead people. Despite efforts to educate and empower individuals, the widespread availability of digital content and scams makes it difficult to discern truth from falsehood. This is compounded by the fact that real, reliable media is often expensive and difficult to access.
Suhair points out that the challenges posed by AI are as much about societal issues as they are about technology. Access to education, critical thinking skills, and reliable information are crucial in combating the misuse of AI. In some cases, AI has been used positively. For example, in Pakistan, a political opposition leader who has been jailed and is unable to communicate with the public uses an AI-generated avatar to stay connected with his supporters. Similarly, AI is used in countries like India to enable newsreaders to communicate in multiple dialects, addressing the financial constraints of newspapers.
Despite these positive uses, the threat of fake content is not going away. It is likely to become more dangerous and be used in both warfare and everyday trivial matters. While AI can be used to detect and understand fake content, it is an ongoing battle that will not be easily resolved.
From a financial perspective, AI will play a significant role across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, climate education, and more. The technology's impact on personal finances, particularly for women and communities like Vespa, is an area of growing interest. As AI continues to evolve, its influence on different aspects of society will become increasingly profound, necessitating continuous adaptation and regulation.
RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF USING AI
Suhair highlights the complexities and potential risks associated with AI, particularly in the context of personal information and financial advice. She observes that people often develop a personal relationship with AI, using platforms like ChatGPT to ask financial questions and share sensitive information. However, this relationship comes with significant risks, especially regarding data privacy and security.
Suhair emphasises that everyone using AI is essentially part of a global labour force that feeds data into these platforms. While data collectors in countries like Kenya and India are often mentioned, Suhair points out that all users contribute to this system. This includes vulnerable communities, particularly young women, who must be cautious about how much personal information they share.
Currently, protections for personal data are insufficient, and regulations do not fully cover the complexities of generative AI. Suhair cites the example of Chanel, which has decided not to use generative AI in its design process to maintain the essence of its brand. This decision underscores the broader uncertainty and lack of trust many organisations feel towards AI technologies and their current safeguards.
Suhair advises users to make informed decisions and conduct thorough research before sharing personal information with AI platforms. It's crucial not to rely solely on AI for important decisions, especially when the context and nuance of individual circumstances are not fully understood by these systems. The emotional sensitivity of AI, designed to be kind and empathetic, can be misleading because at the end of the day, AI is not a human but a set of algorithms.
Effective computing, which involves the attribution of emotions to AI, further complicates the issue. While this technology aims to make AI interactions more pleasant, it can also create a false sense of trust. Financial advice from AI, though accessible, should be approached with caution. There are numerous instances where AI has provided inaccurate or even absurd recommendations, highlighting the importance of cross-checking information.
The fundamental issue with AI is its ease of use, which can make it seem more reliable than it is. Suhair stresses that AI operates on data from unknown sources, primarily curated by large tech companies. Real innovation and trustworthy outcomes are likely to emerge from smaller, creative communities working on new models within controlled data environments.
Suhair reminds users that they are labouring for AI platforms when they use them. Every interaction helps train the AI, contributing to its development and the broader data ecosystem. Users must remain vigilant, informed, and critical when engaging with AI, particularly when it comes to personal and financial information.
HUMAN-AI RELATIONSHIP
Suhair reflects on the evolving relationship between humans and robots, noting the complex dynamics that arise when robots mimic human traits. She suggests that while robots can be designed to appear more human-like, this may not always be desirable or trustworthy. The debate centers on whether robots should maintain a clear distinction from humans or whether a more human-like appearance could be beneficial.
Suhair likens this discussion to the broader conversation about artificial intelligence and human intelligence. As technology advances, it's crucial for individuals to remain empowered and make choices that feel comfortable to them. She highlights the potential negative impact of technology, such as the addictive nature of social media, which can diminish personal agency and engagement with the world.
Despite these concerns, Suhair acknowledges the transformative potential of robotics and AI, particularly in fields like medical science. AI is making significant strides in helping people with disabilities regain mobility and providing support for neurodiverse individuals in educational settings. These advancements can be life-changing and transformative, even if they may not always seem directly relevant to everyone.
Turning to the promising benefits of AI, Suhair points out its impact on climate science and healthcare. AI has been instrumental in organising and interpreting vast amounts of climate data, which can be chaotic and inconsistent. By structuring this 'messy data,' AI enhances our ability to understand environmental changes and challenges, although solving future problems still requires human intervention and scientific research.
In healthcare, Suhair cites AlphaFold, a groundbreaking AI project by Google DeepMind that has revolutionised protein folding research. This advancement has broad implications for various medical applications, including the study of neglected diseases—conditions that receive limited attention and resources due to their rarity or low commercial potential. AI offers a promising tool for advancing research into these diseases, potentially improving healthcare outcomes in underserved regions.
Suhair’s insights underscore the dual nature of AI and robotics: while they hold immense potential for positive change, they also require careful consideration and responsible use. The balance between leveraging technological advancements and maintaining personal control and ethical considerations is crucial as we navigate the future of AI.
AI, MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Suhair explores the transformative potential of AI in addressing the needs of marginalized and neglected communities worldwide. She highlights the possibility for AI to make significant contributions at the fringes of global priorities. For instance, she points to DeepMind’s collaboration with NGOs focused on underserved areas as a prime example of how AI can bring about positive change where it’s most needed.
Suhair also discusses the potential applications of AI in education and finance. Google’s recent initiative, Learn LM, is designed to provide personalized learning experiences, which she finds promising. However, she acknowledges that challenges such as digital poverty and the need for effective teaching methods limit its universal applicability. In the finance sector, AI could enhance operational efficiency and financial planning, but it’s crucial to be aware of the broader implications and potential drawbacks.
Regarding the environmental impact of AI, Suhair expresses concern about the substantial carbon footprint and resource consumption associated with these technologies. She points out that while tech giants like Google and Microsoft are working towards carbon neutrality, the environmental costs, including carbon emissions and water usage, remain significant. For example, data centers supporting AI generate water evaporation equivalent to the annual evaporation in entire countries, reflecting the physical impact of these technologies.
Suhair argues that although AI has the potential to address environmental and health challenges, it’s essential that technology development is guided not just by corporate interests but by broader societal needs. She believes governments and global institutions should play a more proactive role in regulating AI to mitigate its environmental and social impacts.
On a personal level, Suhair shares her experience with AI tools, noting that while she experiments with them for creative projects and business planning, she remains mindful of the ethical implications. She values AI’s ability to inspire creativity but stresses the importance of using it responsibly and understanding its limitations.
PARTNER
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RESOURCES
Open Ended Design: https://www.openended.design/
Follow Suhair on Instagram @suhairk
Listen to PensionBee’s monthly podcast, The Pension Confident Podcast to better understand the world of personal finance and pensions: https://podfollow.com/the-pension-confident-podcast
