The chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, particularly in light of the autocratic views held by some investors in the sector. Simultaneously, Queensland councils are warning that the Bureau of Meteorology's decision to discontinue a free flood warning tool could have deadly consequences for local communities.

AI Autocracy Warning
Kim Williams, chair of the ABC since March 2024, cautioned that the influence of investors with "extremely autocratic" views on AI development could lead to significant societal risks. He highlighted the importance of understanding AI technologies, stating that while they can be immensely useful, they also reflect the values of their creators. Williams emphasized the need for a democratic discourse around AI, warning against the dangers of censorship and the concentration of power in the hands of a few. He noted that the technology could be misused, leading to outcomes that threaten democratic ideals and public safety.

Williams also criticized the failure of AI companies to secure a text and data mining exemption in Australian copyright law, which would have allowed them to train AI systems on creative works without compensation. He argued that creators deserve to be compensated for their intellectual property, asserting that the government's role is crucial in protecting these rights.

Queensland Flood Warning Tool Cuts
In a separate issue, councils in southeast Queensland are reacting strongly to the Bureau of Meteorology's decision to eliminate its free real-time flood forecasting tool, Enviromon. This tool has been instrumental for nearly 30 years in providing timely data to local governments and emergency services. The BoM plans to replace it with a US-developed software program, OneRain, which cannot be provided free of charge to local councils.

Local officials are alarmed by the potential impact of this decision on public safety. Brisbane City Council's environment chair, Tracy Davis, described the change as "reckless and dangerous," arguing that it could jeopardize lives during flash floods. The council is considering investing in its own software, estimating costs at $500,000, excluding ongoing subscription fees. Other councils, like Gold Coast City, are also facing significant financial burdens, with estimates of $600,000 needed to replace the service over five years.

The BoM has stated that it will continue to publish flood warning data on its website, but local councils argue that the 15-minute delay in updates is unacceptable for emergency situations. The Local Government Association of Queensland has called for the BoM to provide an equivalent replacement service, emphasizing that taxpayers should not have to pay for emergency information that was previously funded.

Wrap-up
Both the concerns raised by Kim Williams regarding AI and the backlash from Queensland councils over the flood warning tool highlight significant issues of public safety and accountability in Australia. As technology evolves, the implications for democracy and emergency management remain critical topics for discussion.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team