The impact of social media on AI: 'Big Brother is watching you

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), artificial systems can be designed to think and act like humans. According to the article, artificial intelligence has become our big brother - recommending products and videos we are more likely to buy or watch based on our personal preferences; and tracking every movement, we make using cameras and sensors.

Even though artificial intelligence is intended to improve our lives and reduce human error, there is plenty of room for abuse. The Malaysian Content Code 2022 (Code) is one tool for regulating AI content, as it guides how AI impacts social media platforms and consumers. A deep learning algorithm is used in AI to recognize deeply embedded patterns and correlate multiple data points to achieve the desired result.

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What types of Instagram content are there?

Social media platforms such as Meta, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter use AI algorithms as recommendation engines. Social media platforms can differentiate what you click, watch, and buy based on your browsing history and preferences. Aside from promoting your preferences, AI algorithms can also promote potentially harmful content.

Molly Russell, a 14-year-old from the United Kingdom, was found to have consumed hundreds of hours of Instagram content about suicide and self-harm before she took her own life. Users can search for specific types of content on Instagram, and the algorithm suggests similar posts.

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Real-life videos may be fabricated using artificial intelligence

In addition to tagging people in photos, social media platforms rely on facial recognition software. As a result, "deep fakes" and "deep face technology" have been used to spread fake news, destroy reputations, create images of false events, and spread fake news. It's impossible to underestimate the dangers of deep fakes since AI can potentially fabricate real-life videos and fake news, leading to a zero-trust society where people can't tell the difference between the truth and lies.

In May 2022, the Code was updated to provide better guidance on, among other things, menacing content and false content development, production, and dissemination. All suicide-related content must be reported and shared ethically and responsibly based on best practices and media guidelines. The Code expressly prohibits false information or incomplete material that is likely to mislead from being distributed.

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Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities

• Using systems to identify and mitigate reasonably foreseeable risks associated with their platform designs.
• The possibility of restricting third-party-generated content for children and age-appropriate content moderation is being explored.
• Ensure advertisements don't misrepresent consumer-influencing information.
• Although the Code applies only to certain stakeholders in Malaysia's content and media industries, social media platforms should note that adherence to the Code can be a defense in a lawsuit brought
• under the Code and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
• If properly governed, AI can benefit the economy, productivity, safety, and economic value.