Vint Cerf said the introduction of AI is about much more than technology so much so that it may make sense to have a few sociologists, psychologists and anthropologists to help with policy.
Cerf, currently Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, contributes to global policy development and is widely known as a father of the internet since he was a co-designer for TCP/IP protocols and architecture.
In an interview with DisrupTV, Cerf touched on multiple topics including space, AI and future connectivity. "We're entering into a period of abundance of computing and communication capability that will, I think, enable some amazing accomplishments over time," said Cerf. "It's hard to believe that so much has happened over the past 50 years, and there's so much more to go."
Here are the key takeaways from Cerf:
Evolution of internet capacity. "The increasing capacity of the internet to move data" is a significant development, said Cerf. He said there's also a need for higher speeds and optical fiber to accommodate a growing base of internet users.
Expansion beyond Earth. Cerf said "the expansion of the internet to low Earth orbiting satellite systems and off-planet expansion, including the development of an interplanetary internet backbone" is the future of connectivity.
AI's role in technology. Cerf emphasized the importance of AI in "accelerating software development and improving accessibility for people with disabilities." Cerf said AI can enhance user experiences.
Critical thinking in the age of AI. Cerf said "the importance of critical thinking and understanding the provenance of information in the age of AI" is more critical now than it ever was. People need to be able to use critical thinking to understand what's real--and not.
Cerf said:
"When we introduce technology, we should bring with us sociologists and psychologists and anthropologists to help us understand the impact of the technology on the societies that are ingesting it. We didn't really do that as the internet. We really seriously need to do that today, because the technology we're now introducing artificial intelligence."
Internet responsibility. Cerf said that while the internet has connected like-minded people, it has also enabled harmful activities and filter bubbles. He emphasized "the need for accountability and responsibility" in online interactions.
Internet education. Cerf proposed the idea of an "internet driver's license" to educate people on safe and effective internet use, highlighting the importance of digital literacy.
