The phenomenon dubbed “Epistemia”—the misguided belief that knowledge is guaranteed merely because it is articulated by artificial intelligence—poses a significant threat to both the sanctity of information and the tenets of democracy.
This crucial concern was articulated at the conference ‘Epistemia, Knowledge, AI and Society,’ hosted by La Sapienza University in Rome, which served as a critical forum for dialogue among scholars, politicians, institutional figures, and digital platforms.
The “Duel”
The discourse featured a vigorous exchange between Agcom, Italy’s communications authority, and Google, centering on the integration of AI within the search engine and its subsequent effects on the traffic of information outlets.
“We are preparing a report for the European Commission concerning the AI Mode employed by Google,” declared Agcom President Giacomo Lasorella. “This is a manifest example of the repercussions on information freedom.”
He cautioned of a potential infringement upon citizens’ rights to consult diverse informational sources, articulated in Article 3 of the European Freedom Act.
In response, Diego Ciulli, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Italy, asserted, “AI Overview and AI Mode represent a natural evolution of search technology; we are enhancing previous search methodologies, not the accessibility of information. It would be alarming if people ceased reading newspapers because of AI.”
The Illusion of Knowledge
The deceptive façade of knowledge fostered by AI also extends its ramifications into the formation of public consensus, with consequential effects on democratic processes.
As Anna Ascani (PD), Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, observed, “Regulatory measures are currently inadequate.”
She emphasized the urgent need for policymakers to recognize the existing issues and implement safeguards that facilitate authentic consensus development. The discourse surrounding AI intrinsically intersects with the regulation of digital platforms, a space where Europe is taking a leading role.
Fear and Mistrust Prevail
‘The prevailing sentiment,’ noted Flavio Arzarello, Public Policy Manager for Meta in Italy, ‘is one of fear and skepticism that has overshadowed the European landscape regarding artificial intelligence within the last five years, engendering a climate of excessive caution.
While regulation should not be dismantled, it is crucial to explore ways to harmonize it with innovation.
The proposal known as the Digital Omnibus represents a chance to streamline the regulatory framework concerning digital issues,’ he elaborated, presenting it as a pivotal avenue to reconsider the AI Act, focusing on use cases rather than the technology itself.
Important Comparison
Such engagements constitute a ‘virtuous cycle’ between the realms of academia and the broader community, institutions, and digital platforms, stated Walter Quattrociocchi, head of the Centre for Data Science and Complexity at La Sapienza University.
He highlighted the conference’s success in bringing the topic of epistemia to the forefront and expressed hope that it might transform into the ‘word of the year for Treccani.’
His team’s rigorous research was showcased during the event, delving into critical concerns such as ‘ideologies and polarization,’ ‘social platforms and mental health,’ and ‘political advertising on social media,’ among others.
“Epistemology presents a more intricate quandary than just the proliferation of misinformation on social media,” Quattrociocchi remarked, urging caution against those who disseminate insights about AI “bereft of genuine understanding, relying solely on popularity and transient fame.”
Source link: En.ilsole24ore.com.
