According to a PwC survey, 25% of CEOs expect to lay off staff due to AI this year, although some firms may offset the cuts by hiring in other areas. The survey also found that around 70% of CEOs anticipate AI changing their business models within three years and requiring employees to develop new skills.
A study by Forrester Research reveals that while retailers are enthusiastic about adopting AI to improve operations and boost revenue, many struggle with data management practices and technical expertise. Poor data quality and management and a lack of technical skills are major barriers to AI implementation.
University of Chicago researchers have developed Nightshade, an offensive data poisoning tool, to deter misuse of machine learning models. Nightshade poisons image files to disrupt models that use unauthorized data, aiming to respect content creators’ wishes. The tool minimizes visible changes to the original image while confusing AI models. Nightshade can be used to protect intellectual property and enforce copyright notices. The researchers also recommend using Glaze, a defensive-style protection tool, in combination with Nightshade. Nightshade aims to increase the cost of training on unlicensed data, encouraging AI model developers to pay artists for their uncorrupted data.
Arizona State University (ASU) has partnered with OpenAI to implement ChatGPT Enterprise in its institution, aiming to enhance student learning and outcomes. ASU will invite faculty and staff to submit innovative uses of ChatGPT in student success, research, and organizational processes. The collaboration addresses concerns about privacy and security, with ChatGPT Enterprise designed to provide enterprise-grade security.
Why do we care?
I’m not convinced that AI will drive the layoffs. I think this is an excuse to do layoffs.
The Forrester Research study points out the barriers in AI adoption for not just retailers, but all customers, particularly around data management and technical expertise. This underlines a common challenge in AI implementation: the need for high-quality data and skilled personnel.
Customers need to invest in data infrastructure, governance, and education to capitalize on AI’s potential fully, and that’s the opportunity.
Which could look like what ASU is doing: integrating AI to enhance learning and organizational processes. Consider it this way. ASU is embracing the technology while other competitors are waiting or pushing back. You and your customers will make your own decisions here.