While this statement might be subject to debate, the argument can be made that the entire essence of our constant push for advancement in technology is to make our lives easier. And, in Generative Artificial Intelligence, we have got the perfect resource to improve virtually every aspect of life as we know it.

The magnificence, prospects, and possibilities that artificial intelligence systems hold aren’t in doubt at this point. However, it is also precisely because of this vast and, quite frankly, depthless potential that we have to approach this tool with extreme caution.

As one famous superhero movie aptly quipped, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This is simply to say that, if this highly advanced technology must continue to play such a significant role in our existence as a species, then some form of regulation is needed.

As one would expect, there are more than a few opponents and detractors to the very notion of regulating or moderating the use of #AI by the government. And, they very likely have their valid points, too. That being said, you only need to liken artificial intelligence systems to fire to see why it’s so vital that these resources be carefully and closely controlled.

Interestingly, for all of the vast capabilities of artificial intelligence, those aren’t the biggest reasons that we need to have a serious conversation about regulation right now. The main reason the world has to be proactive about regulating AI is because of the inherently unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of the human imagination.

Left to their devices, there is genuinely no telling what certain people will do with the consciousness and abilities of an artificial intelligence system. What’s more, because AI itself has no borders, there is no practical way in which the effects of AI abuse can be restricted to any given geographic location – it’ll spread to the rest of the world in a matter of moments.

All of this is likely to sound like fear-mongering to some, and that is perfectly understandable. So, why not take a look at what some experts who have very hands-on experience of the situation have to say?

Let’s take world-renowned physicist Reinhard Scholl for example. As the founder of “AI For Good”, the United Nations leading artificial intelligence programme, there can be no contesting the fact that this individual has an in-depth understanding of what AI is and its capability for good. More than this, he’s a leading voice when it comes to exploring the potential applications of artificial intelligence to solve global challenges like poverty, economic growth, hunger, and a plethora of other U.N. sustainable development goals (SDGs).

All of this is why it should be telling that such an individual is also a very strong advocate for restricting the operations and use of this resource. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), held in September 2023, he said, “Should AI be regulated? It’s a no-brainer, yes!” He went on to emphasize that just the same way that toymakers and automobile manufacturers were held to certain standards in terms of the safety of their productions, there was also a need to introduce the same to the AI community.

According to Scholl, the biggest reason that government bodies need to step in with the right policies now is because the current lay of the land makes it all too easy for bad people to exploit the capabilities of artificial intelligence systems.

Scholl adds, "A physicist knows how to build a nuclear bomb in theory, but to do it in practice would be very difficult," he says. "But if someone uses AI to design a biological weapon they don't need to know so much.

"And if it becomes too easy for people to do major damage using AI then someone will do it."

At this time, it’s quite difficult to find a hole in his logic. What’s more, Reinhard Scholl isn’t alone in this line of reasoning. Other reputable figures in the artificial intelligence industry like Robert Opp echo these beliefs as well.

Opp believes that governments all over the world need to find a decisive way of regulating artificial intelligence technology without stunting or impeding the growth and use of the resource. According to him, “There is a sense of urgency in figuring out AI governance.”

This sense of urgency is made greater because, even if the entire world were to be in agreement over implementing and enforcing AI governance today, actually achieving this feat would be a monumental undertaking. Established authorities like Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia have even gone on record to say such a feat is impossible!

For this danger to not consume the world, decisive measures have to be taken with due haste. Implementing AI governance on a global scale with just one regulatory body to oversee it might be asking for too much right now. However, in the interim, it’s still far more plausible that governments can enact relevant and actionable policies on the matter in their various regions.

In either event, the simple truth remains that Artificial Intelligence Technology just can’t be left unbridled. Much more than we can possibly imagine is at stake should we allow things to continue as they are.