Black Box

When Developers Can’t Explain Their AI, Laws No Longer Apply

The hows and whys of the decisions of machine-learning algorithms are increasingly opaque, even to their programmers. That makes laws and norms increasingly difficult to apply.

Podcast #17: Cal Newport on Deep Work

For a computer scientist, Georgetown professor and author Cal Newport is hard to reach via email. But it’s part of his philosophy that focused concentration–so elusive in our overstimulated world–is the key to a better and more rewarding work and personal life.

Knightscope Robot

Have the Robot Wars Begun?

Without much oversight or discussion, security robots have begun appearing in public spaces, causing conflicts and raising questions about privacy and human dignity.

Robot AI Job Line

Speeding Towards a Potential AI Jobocalypse, Government is on Autopilot

A White House paper on AI betrays a stunning naivte about potential economic fallout, but few in government are interested in even acknowledging the issue.

Computo Ergo Sum: Should AI Be Self-Aware?

Artificial intelligence is often portrayed in fiction as having consciousness. In reality, making AI self-aware may not be useful. Unfortunately, that doesn’t preclude things from going horribly wrong.

2016, The Year in Review

A look back at the biggest technology-related stories of 2016.