This week saw a fever pitch reached in an increasingly intense debate on the potential dangers posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Prominent figures such as Elon Musk have called for halting the development of advanced AI for the next six months, while other researchers have claimed that this is not enough time.
The debate comes in the context of intense anxiety already present in the global economy. According to a Goldman Sachs estimate, 300 million full-time jobs are set to be impacted by AI systems, which would have a particularly large effect on white-collar workers. Further, there is an understandable mistrust of Big Tech that arises due to the powerful leverage that these companies already have.
Avery Hartmans, a bride-to-be, experienced a harrowing attack of “SIM swapping,” a technological identity theft. In her case, after a few hours the hacker had fraudulently activated new credit cards and racked up close to $10,000 in spending. Despite seeking help from her bank, the phone company, and local authorities, she remained thousands of dollars in debt and helpless in the weeks leading up to her wedding.
Further complicating the issue, AI could be a turning point for Big Tech just like the internet and television were, but similarly, it could see a repeat of the undoubtedly negative effects of social media.
In legal circles, there has been talk of a recent internal shake-up at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, which has represented Elon Musk in his takeover of Twitter, and FTX – a crypto exchange – in its bankruptcy proceedings. Insider conducted an extensive investigation, interviewing both founder John Quinn and over sixty current and former attorneys who revealed unseen partnerships and internal tensions.
Ron Peri, a board member of Walt Disney World’s district committee, noted that the Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis’, attempt to take control of Disney’s property backfired. With digital Zoom calls, remote and hybrid work gaining publicity, landlords of older buildings may soon face a reckoning, with occupants now being far more picky when it comes to office space.
In addition to the worries mentioned, AI has the power to revolutionize many aspects of social life, from healthcare and surveillance, to robotics and transport. And while it will certainly create incredible opportunities, the existential risks this emerging technology brings can equally not be overlooked.
About the company
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP (Quinn Emanuel) is a law firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with nineteen international offices. The firm was founded in 1986 and has since become one of the leading trial and business litigation firms in the world. Quinn Emanuel’s impressive portfolio includes representing some of the most esteemed companies and individual clients around the world, spanning a wide range of industries and sectors. The firm has won numerous awards and has been long-ranked as an elite litigation firm in the U.S.
About the person
Ron Peri has been a board member of Walt Disney World’s District Committee since 2015. Peri is a well-known figure of the Orlando community, having served in various civic roles such as being president of the University of Central Florida Foundation board and the Florida Citrus Sports board of directors. Peri is also a former CFO of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, and a former CFO of Fidelity National Title. As a board member, Peri has advocated for the district’s interests and has recently spoken out against the attempted takeover of Disney’s property by the Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis.
