Deeply engrained in human history, artificial intelligence (AI) has come far from its artificial neural network (ANN) prototype. The decades saw a gradual increase in its potential. AI methodically spreads its influence over society and significantly influences our lives. However, it was in November 2022 that artificial intelligence reached new standards with the introduction of the generative AI ‘ChatGPT’, developed by OpenAI as a language model capable of sharing information in a human-like text based on context and past conversations. This interactive piece of technology became quite the talk of the town; however, some cracks soon appeared. Following the discovery of some major loopholes regarding data breaches and copyright issues, ChatGPT was temporarily disabled in July. A recent post on the former Twitter, now known as X, again took the internet by storm. With more features and limited restrictions, AI is yet to be adequately analyzed.
In September, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI announced a new update allowing the AI to access real-time data. Originally, ChatGPT was designed with limited data access. Considering copyright issues, the AI was trained to use data only until September 2021. According to the latest update, ChatGPT can now access real-time information to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Although announced recently, this feature had once been a part of the premium package. Integrated initially in May 2023, the AI would access the latest information using the Bing search engine.
The recent reintroduction, along with several other updates, was done in a bid to boost the model in the competitive AI market. The director of research at the Distributed AI Research Institute, Alex Hanna, said in an interview, “What OpenAI is trying to do is get in on Google’s market share.” The ‘Browse with Bing’ feature is currently available only for ChatGPT Plus users but will shortly apply to all. Besides the real-time data gathering, a barrage of several minor updates garnered mixed reactions online. Interface and media-wise users are no longer limited to text. The chatbot introduced voice and image features, allowing a wide range of data, such as image-based information about a landmark. With the real-time feature, users can now access news and information on current affairs. A bonus added feature for the information providers was the ability for websites to control their data and method of interaction with ChatGPT.
Along with its immense potential, the update wrapped up some significant flaws. Consumers and critics raised concerns related to privacy and data breaches. The Ai plugin requests access to the device’s chat history to function; however, its privacy policy cannot elaborate much about the use and disposal of our data. “People are at the risk of their legal data being scraped. Research has shown that with certain kinds of prompts, certain kinds of private information has been leaked through these different systems. We don’t know what is being leaked just because of how private these companies have kept their data sources.” said Hanna.
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On the one hand, the update was celebrated as the future of AI; on the other hand, concerns arose about AI becoming too human-like. Several smaller startups and independent software engineers fear being replaced while rampant voices rose regarding the recent lawsuits of copyright law violation and infringement of intellectual property rights. Another major aspect garnering interest is information bias. The BBC earlier reported instances of an output of harmful material, misinformation, and copyrighted content. A query about the difference between black and white women exposed racism and sexism within the algorithms.
Lauren Sargent is a seasoned professional in the field of business, finance media and chemical & materials, boasting more than two decades of experience in the digital arena. She has more than 10 years in B2B journalism. Her primary areas of expertise include business strategy development, operational management, product launches, fostering high-quality journalism, and adeptly leading teams to excellence. In Her role, he assumes responsibility for every facet of content oversight at the News Gazzete.