AI ability to make decisions presents unique challenges

Researchers face task of ensuring humanitarian ends to machine means

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A public transport company in Singapore uses AI to identify bus drivers who may have a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Some people have criticized this as discriminatory.

JIRO YOSHINO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Artificial intelligence is increasingly able to make decisions on its own, presenting its human creators with new and unforeseen questions. 

Many view this as an upcoming phase in which AI can help solve various problems facing humanity. But the possibility exists that technology will make inappropriate decisions that could be detrimental to society. Researchers are examining these risks, with particular concern that AI's process of deep learning remains a mystery, and thus, a formidable unknown. 

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