Artificial Intelligence: Shaping Our Future and Challenging the Status Quo

Tej Kohli
4 min readJun 30, 2023

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The world of artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, with new breakthroughs and developments capturing our attention on a regular basis.

As I have discussed before, AI is an overly polarising topic. Regardless of where you stand on this debate, recent stories surrounding artificial intelligence have shed light on its immense potential and the challenges we face. Let’s dive into some of the latest AI narratives that have emerged.

Firstly, the US-based company OpenAI, renowned for its ChatGPT chatbot, made headlines by announcing the establishment of its first international office in London. This move not only bolsters the UK’s tech industry but also highlights the growing significance of AI on a global scale. OpenAI’s decision to choose London as its base is attributed to the city’s rich culture and exceptional talent pool, emphasising the UK’s potential to thrive in the AI race. Moreover, Palantir, a prominent $30 billion US firm specialising in data processing software, also selected London as its European hub for AI research and development. These strategic decisions cement London’s status as a hub for cutting-edge AI innovation.

While AI presents immense opportunities, it also raises concerns about the future of employment. Recent breakthroughs in generative AI, demonstrated by ChatGPT’s ability to produce coherent text and usable code, have sparked discussions about job automation.

In this strange world where machines have the ability to write novels, have computers create art, and create voices that mimic human speech flawlessly. A groundbreaking report by KPMG has shed light on the potential impact of generative AI in the UK economy.

According to KPMG, an astonishing 2.5% of all tasks in the UK could be revolutionised by generative AI. Creative professionals, such as authors, writers, and translators, should pay close attention, as a whopping 43% of their job responsibilities could be susceptible to automation. And it doesn’t stop there. Computer programmers, software developers, public relations professionals, and IT support technicians are also facing the possibility of disruption. The winds of change are blowing, and no one is safe from their gusts.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Certain industries, like retail, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing, are expected to experience minimal impact from the rise of generative AI. So, while change is on the horizon, it won’t be a complete upheaval for everyone. In fact, the introduction of generative AI is projected to contribute a significant 1.2% to the overall UK economic activity. This could mean increased productivity and even higher wages for those who adapt to this new reality.

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But wait, there’s more to the story. While experts continue to debate the existential threat posed by AI, there is one concern that unites them all — disinformation. Generative AI tools have the power to create remarkably convincing text, images, videos, and even human voices based on prompts. It’s a double-edged sword, as this technological marvel raises legitimate concerns about the manipulation of our democratic processes.

In the UK, the Electoral Commission watchdog has issued a wake-up call, sounding the alarm that time is running out to establish new rules governing AI ahead of the next general election, slated to take place no later than January 2025. This is a clear call to action, a reminder that we must act swiftly and decisively to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in our political landscape.

The stakes are high, particularly as we approach critical upcoming elections, such as the 2024 US presidential election and a UK general election. Leading figures in the field, like Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, have highlighted the urgency of the situation. They advocate for governments and tech companies to unite and take immediate action. One proposed solution is the introduction of a labelling scheme for AI-generated content. By doing so, we can create transparency and combat the potential havoc that AI-generated content could wreak on the integrity of future elections. Trust in our democratic systems hangs in the balance.

As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape of AI, we must strike a delicate balance. We must acknowledge and harness the immense potential it holds, while also addressing the challenges it presents. It’s not just about establishing international AI hubs or contemplating the impact on employment; it’s about combating disinformation and protecting our democratic processes. The time for action is now.

Let us embrace this transformative technology with open arms while holding steadfast to our ethical principles. Together, we can shape a future that benefits humanity as a whole. The power is in our hands to harness the potential of AI and safeguard the welfare of society. So, let’s rise to the occasion, fueled by our passion for progress and our commitment to a better tomorrow. The possibilities are boundless, and the journey starts now.

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Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli is an investor & philanthropist who is the co-founder of the Tej Kohli & Ruit Foundation. To find out more visit tejkohli.com or tejkohliruit.com