Algorithms are Black Boxes, That is Why We Need Explainable AI

My latest article:

Algorithms are a set of (complex) instructions or rules that a computer needs to follow when solving a specific problem. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, is a collection of algorithms working together to enable machines to replicate human behaviour. Algorithms form the basis of AI and, hence, we need to have a clear understanding of the underlying algorithms. Unfortunately, algorithms are black boxes. Whatever happens inside an algorithm is only known to the organisation that uses it, and quite often not even. Algorithms can make great predictions, on a wide range of topics, but how much are these predictions worth, if we don’t understand the reasoning behind it? Therefore, it is vital to have explanatory capabilities within the algorithm, to understand why a particular decision was made.

Three Useful Nuggets of Information

My weekly tips from around the web to get you thinking.

1. Biohacking 2.0: Streaming movies from your leg.

Biohackers inserted a hard drive and a router into their legs, taking the concept ‘wearable’ to the next level. With it, they can stream movies and other things, and according to the hackers, it could improve data security, but it also raises knotty legal issues. (Wired)

2. Using AI to write your novel.

I write a lot, and I do so myself, although perhaps that is hopelessly outdated. An author is now using the AI system GTP-2, developed by OpenAI, to write a novel. The results are remarkably good. (Vox)

3. Elon Musk and Jack Ma discuss and disagree on AI.

When two of the most prominent entrepreneurs discuss AI, the world stops and listens. During the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Jack Ma and Elon Musk discussed AI. While they disagree on the positive or negative impact of AI, they do agree on the population collapse being the most significant challenge the world faces in the next 20 years. (Techspot)