In the this NY post article, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank of Japan, echoed Trump’s inaugural address remarks from Monday, agreeing that “this is the beginning of the golden age of America.” Golden for whom is yet to be determined.
...“This will help solving many, many issues — difficult things that otherwise we could not have solved.” S…
In the this NY post article, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank of Japan, echoed Trump’s inaugural address remarks from Monday, agreeing that “this is the beginning of the golden age of America.” Golden for whom is yet to be determined.
...“This will help solving many, many issues — difficult things that otherwise we could not have solved.” Son added that “artificial super intelligence will come to solve the issues that mankind never, ever have thought that we could solve.”
His statement seems more like the moment when the promise of artificial superintelligence collides with the reality of technocratic totalitarianism.
Masayoshi Son’s vision of artificial superintelligence (ASI) solving humanity’s greatest challenges reflects his optimism about technology’s potential to drive societal progress. He believes ASI will address issues that have long been considered insurmountable, with the possibility of transformative solutions to problems like global poverty and healthcare breakthroughs. However, this belief also raises critical concerns about the possible rise of technocratic totalitarianism.
In a world where ASI is seen as the ultimate problem-solver, the power to shape society becomes concentrated in the hands of a select few—those who control the technology. This concentration of power sidelines democratic processes, creating a society where decisions are made by a small group of technical experts rather than through ongoing inclusive community and political dialogue.
As ASI assumes a larger role in decision-making, it makes eroding human agency a reality, where algorithms rather than individuals shape policy, economics, and daily life. What happens when machines, programmed to prioritize efficiency and equality of outcomes, make decisions that overlook individual rights, basic freedoms, and/or societal and familial values?
The stark realities of mass surveillance, predictive policing, and social control will become more pronounced, with ASI enabling systems of oversight that track compliance and suppress dissent under the guise of solving societal problems. The technological utopia envisioned by Son will, without careful governance and restraint, devolve into a world where freedom is sacrificed for efficiency and 'safety'.
There are also the ethical implications. ASI-driven decisions will prioritize outcomes that benefit the collective while at best risk harm to the individual. The erosion of accountability in a technocratic regime—where responsibility shifts from individuals and human public representatives to an indifferent system—may well lead to policies that are dehumanizing and unresponsive to the needs of 'the people'.
Son and Trump are undeniably eager of the thought of ASI innovation, but it’s crucial that we establish frameworks and guardrails that promote transparency, inclusivity, and human rights alongside technological progress. Without these safeguards, we will blindly pave the way for a future where technology rules, not for the benefit of all, but for the few who hold the reins.
In the this NY post article, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank of Japan, echoed Trump’s inaugural address remarks from Monday, agreeing that “this is the beginning of the golden age of America.” Golden for whom is yet to be determined.
...“This will help solving many, many issues — difficult things that otherwise we could not have solved.” Son added that “artificial super intelligence will come to solve the issues that mankind never, ever have thought that we could solve.”
His statement seems more like the moment when the promise of artificial superintelligence collides with the reality of technocratic totalitarianism.
Masayoshi Son’s vision of artificial superintelligence (ASI) solving humanity’s greatest challenges reflects his optimism about technology’s potential to drive societal progress. He believes ASI will address issues that have long been considered insurmountable, with the possibility of transformative solutions to problems like global poverty and healthcare breakthroughs. However, this belief also raises critical concerns about the possible rise of technocratic totalitarianism.
In a world where ASI is seen as the ultimate problem-solver, the power to shape society becomes concentrated in the hands of a select few—those who control the technology. This concentration of power sidelines democratic processes, creating a society where decisions are made by a small group of technical experts rather than through ongoing inclusive community and political dialogue.
As ASI assumes a larger role in decision-making, it makes eroding human agency a reality, where algorithms rather than individuals shape policy, economics, and daily life. What happens when machines, programmed to prioritize efficiency and equality of outcomes, make decisions that overlook individual rights, basic freedoms, and/or societal and familial values?
The stark realities of mass surveillance, predictive policing, and social control will become more pronounced, with ASI enabling systems of oversight that track compliance and suppress dissent under the guise of solving societal problems. The technological utopia envisioned by Son will, without careful governance and restraint, devolve into a world where freedom is sacrificed for efficiency and 'safety'.
There are also the ethical implications. ASI-driven decisions will prioritize outcomes that benefit the collective while at best risk harm to the individual. The erosion of accountability in a technocratic regime—where responsibility shifts from individuals and human public representatives to an indifferent system—may well lead to policies that are dehumanizing and unresponsive to the needs of 'the people'.
Son and Trump are undeniably eager of the thought of ASI innovation, but it’s crucial that we establish frameworks and guardrails that promote transparency, inclusivity, and human rights alongside technological progress. Without these safeguards, we will blindly pave the way for a future where technology rules, not for the benefit of all, but for the few who hold the reins.
Machine or Man - it's our choice now but may not be in the future.