Experts in Monterey discussing role of technology in society
Monday night, technology experts from the public and private sector discussed the topic of “technology and the American dream.” It was the final night of the Leon Panetta Lecture Series, tackling the “impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and cyber.”
The speakers were, Keith Alexander, the former director of the National Security Agency, and current President and CEO of IronNet Cybersecurity, and Renee James, the former President of Intel Corporation, and current CEO of Ampere Computing
“The top ten in demand jobs, they didn’t exist 11 years ago,” Alexander said.
We are in a rapidly changing society with an economy and lifestyle that is increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence.
James admits there are challenges to making sure everyone can adapt to a new job market, but is optimistic about the remaining human-aspect.
“People would say, oh that gets rid of a customer service rep. But we’re understanding that’s not the case. They may get rid of some portion of it, but it’s more efficient and still needs human-oriented services,” James said.
There are dangers with improving technology. Is our cyber security ready for cyber threats? General Alexander continues to work with U.S. Presidents, including President Trump, and believes Russians were involved with 2016 election interference – just one example of a growing problem.
“The elections are just one key point. If you think about them going into Sony, or the energy sector, or the financial sector, all of which is going on,” Alexander said.
And then there are privacy concerns. Data storage debates continue in 2018 with the controversy over Facebook. “(These companies are trying to) make your experience better on the Internet by knowing what you’re looking for. And how do we introduce things to you to help you,” Alexander said.
People can also take control over their own data.
“They now say, ‘if you do this, now people can see this.’ And that’s, I think, very helpful. But I think as a society people have to take a little bit of responsibility for understanding what they are opting into,” James said.
