AI Doom-Mongering Distracts from Real Dangers, Says Signal Foundation Head

Meredith Whittaker, head of the Signal Foundation, dismisses fears of artificial intelligence turning against humanity as "ghost stories" not supported by science. She argues that the more immediate threat stems from the careless application of AI technology, citing an alleged incident where a US intelligence chatbot fabricated information about a Chinese vessel, nearly prompting a military response.

"We almost went to war with China," Whittaker told BBC Global Women. "A system that produces faulty intelligence and almost gets us into a war with China should not be considered super-intelligent by any standards."

Whittaker, recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in AI, rose to prominence in 2017 for her role in protesting Google's Project Maven, a contract to develop AI for drone targeting. She argued that the project would "compress the kill chain," reducing the time for deliberation between target identification and engagement. Her activism, including helping to organize a walkout of thousands of Google employees, led the company to drop the contract, which was subsequently taken up by Palantir.

She draws a parallel between Project Maven and a recent US missile strike on a school in Iran, which she claims was based on outdated intelligence identifying the school as a military target. Palantir has stated there is "no evidence that Palantir's software was at fault" and that the company is not responsible for the underlying data or intelligence deficiencies. Palantir's UK and Europe boss previously told the BBC that a human is always in the loop to make the final decision.

Governments, including the UK, are seeking greater access to encrypted communications, ostensibly to protect children. However, Whittaker views such measures as an "unprecedented regime of communication and information controls" that children could easily circumvent. When asked if Signal would leave a country that mandated weakened encryption, Whittaker stated unequivocally, "Yes! My God, I have a backbone. It doesn't change based on mood. It doesn't change based on consultants."

She emphasizes that private communication is crucial for protecting individuals from various harms, including abusive spouses, corrupt law enforcement, and authoritarian governments. "If they had that conversation in the kitchen and their bro snitched, would it be: 'What are we doing about kitchens?'" she asked, responding to a case where Canadian police officers shared offensive messages in a Signal group. "It has to work for everyone or it works for no-one. This is the principle of fundamental rights. They apply even to assholes."

Whittaker also advises women entering the tech field to be resilient and authentic. "Don't be a simp," she urged, referring to someone overly deferential to authority. "It's not going to help you. Don't laugh at the joke if you don't think it's funny."