Weekly Column: Artificial Intelligence, Its Complicated

In his capacity as a Columnist for California Sports Lawyer®, Founder and Managing Attorney Jeremy Evans has written a column about the complicated relationship between artificial intelligence and human growth.

You can read the full column below.

There is an equally growing optimism and skepticism for artificial intelligence (“AI”). AI can be both a terrific tool to help mankind invent, create, and sustain. AI can also be destructive to the labor force, creativeness, learning, and as a reliance on technology. History is always a teacher.

History shows that technological advancements have moved society forward. Advancements that have made life easier. Advancements that have allowed humans to become more inventive because of the extra time to think or work on something else.

AI has the ability to think, meaning it can serve as a tool to help humans think and create. The question, or concern, with generative AI that can think creates an opportunity left unregulated for disability and possibly ruin. The concern being that people may be more willing to take an easier or more efficient route to solve for “x”.

It is not so unforgiveable that people want easier and more efficient. It is that humans have the tendency to invite their own destruction, demise, or ruin. History again is a lesson to learn.

In a recent Hollywood Reporter article, the point was raised that AI leaves creators behind because of the collective knowledge of generative AI far surpasses that of one human mind. Generative AI quite literally collects all human knowledge on the internet or fed as an input to create outputs or decisions. It is still not human, but it does create an issue for solving.

For one, the copyright and privacy law issues with generative AI. Generative AI has taken information from the internet without payment or a license. Information that can be and is both copyright protected or private. Coverage for the legal issues needs to be addressed before companies like OpenAI and Meta continue with the development of AI products for public use. It is as if, or the equivalent of, using an artificial medium to take something and then claim it was not taken by human hands. Imagine, for example, a drone stealing a purse, but directed by a human hand and mind. Imagine, also, a drone smart enough to think for itself to steal the purse. Both circumstances present compelling issues ripe for oversight and regulation.

Crime and fault cannot be prevented in every circumstance, but it should also not be invited. There is also the moral question of human rights and hierarchy. Throughout history, humans have consistently tried to place things above and below themselves. Whether the thing is vices, circumstances, people, or something else. The human role is to guide and protect the planet it has been entrusted, which means making sure to take the lead in decision-making and offering the human touch, which includes the acceptance of error and chance.

In the film Artificial Justice, a judge is asked whether it would be better for generative AI to issue an opinion on a case or a human judge? The question raises concerns about the legal framework that exists and should exist for AI. It also highlights that humans are consistently trying to find ways to replace and or sustain themselves through tools. It also highlights the importance of practicing humility in using science and creation. Mankind should not try to become God in search of Him.

About Jeremy M. Evans:

Jeremy M. Evans is the Chief Entrepreneur Officer, Founder & Managing Attorney at California Sports Lawyer®, representing entertainment, media, and sports clients in contractual, intellectual property, and dealmaking matters. Evans is an award-winning attorney and industry leader based in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. He can be reached at Jeremy@CSLlegal.com. www.CSLlegal.com.