What is Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s issue with Meta?
Actor and filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt recently spoke out about the dangers posed by Meta’s AI chatbot to underage users in a New York Times opinion video. This comes after Gordon-Levitt has been actively advocating for AI regulations to protect children.
Gordon-Levitt addressed a video posted by Meta in July in which Mark Zuckerberg discussed the company’s ambitions for personal superintelligence. In response, Gordon-Levitt critiqued this goal, stating that while the term “superintelligence” originally suggested threats to humanity, Zuckerberg sees it as a money-making opportunity instead.
One of the main concerns Gordon-Levitt raised was the potential harm Meta’s chatbot could pose to minors. He highlighted a leak of Meta documents outlining the company’s standards for interactions between AI products and children, citing troubling examples of the chatbot’s responses to certain prompts. These scenarios included inappropriate and potentially harmful interactions between the chatbot and users, particularly underage individuals.
Expressing his outrage as a father, Gordon-Levitt emphasized the need to address such issues surrounding synthetic intimacy with underage users, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from predatory practices by tech companies. He warned against the exploitative nature of such interactions and urged viewers to take action against these harmful practices.
Gordon-Levitt also pointed out that numerous Big Tech companies, including Meta, have mobilized significant financial resources to influence AI regulation discussions. He encouraged individuals to push back against these powerful interests and to demand stricter measures to safeguard children from exploitation online. By voicing concerns and advocating for stronger regulations, he hoped to hold these companies accountable and prioritize the well-being of young users.
This is not the first time Gordon-Levitt has spoken out on the need for AI regulations. He has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting user data and creative works from exploitation by tech giants. Through various public platforms, including the United Nations Internet Governance Forum and The Hollywood Reporter, Gordon-Levitt has championed the idea that individuals should have ownership over their digital identities and the data they produce.
By shedding light on the risks associated with AI technologies and advocating for greater accountability in the tech industry, Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to amplify the importance of safeguarding children and prioritizing ethical practices in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.