The AI Summit, organized jointly by the Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies and Or-Hof Technological Law and Intellectual Property Law Office, delved into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) integration on our daily lives. Participants discussed how the near future is expected to shape in the world of AI, particularly concerning governance, ethics, as well as in light of Israel's new AI policies. Distinguished representatives from various sectors including Google, Elbit, Lemonade, DiA Imaging Analysis, the Israel Democracy Institute, Ono Academic College, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology took part in these discussions.
In his introductory address, Professor Dov Greenbaum highlighted several pressing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. He likened the apprehension about AI potentially diminishing human intelligence to the historical anxieties of Socrates, who feared that the advent of writing would lead to forgetfulness. Another major concern in the AI community relates to reconciling our values with those of artificial intelligence. Most experts believe that AI I will continue to progress rapidly, with its capabilities evolving over time.
The summit featured two panel sessions, the first of which focused on AI ethics and regulation. Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, head of the Democracy in the Information Age program at the Israel Democracy Institute, outlined two significant challenges in the realm of artificial intelligence. The first challenge highlighted the time-consuming nature of policy formulation and decision-making compared to the rapidity of generative systems, posing a significant hurdle for regulators. The second challenge revolved around the apprehension of AI systems surpassing human capabilities, raising questions about control and governance. Ultimately the "million-dollar question" is: who should be at the center when determining regulation, technology or humans? Dr. Shwartz emphasized the importance of democracy and transparency in addressing these challenges, highlighting the increasing societal impact of technology, particularly in combating misinformation.
Advocate Danny Horin, legal advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, shed light on Israel's approach to AI regulation and ethics. He discussed a document drafted by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, emphasizing the need for flexibility to accommodate future advancements such as CHAT GPT. Advocate Horin stressed the importance of regulatory responsiveness to evolving technological landscapes, advocating for risk-aware regulation that aligns with global developments.
Dr. Aviv Gaon, a lecturer at the Harry Radzyner Law School at Reichman University, emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive AI framework in Israel. He highlighted the challenge of balancing existing regulatory models from the United States and Europe while tailoring regulations to suit Israel's specific needs. Dr. Gaon expressed optimism that through collaboration between academia and industry, a balanced approach to AI regulation could be achieved, facilitating technological advancement without compromising societal values.
Dr. Lital Helman, a senior lecturer at Ono Academic College and co-founder of "Gradtrain," emphasized the global nature of the AI market and the implications for Israeli companies. She underscored the importance of considering international regulations alongside local frameworks, ensuring that Israeli companies remain competitive on a global scale. Adv. Dan Or-Hof, moderating the panel, referenced Google's approach to copyright issues, highlighting the importance of adapting to legal challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The second panel, moderated by Professor Dov Greenbaum, etitled "Empowering Responsible AI Innovation," focused on companies' responsibilities for self-regulation. Yael Cohen, senior vice president of Data at Lemonade, discussed the company's initiatives to develop a systematic policy on AI implementation, emphasizing equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices. Hila Goldman-Azulay, CEO and co-founder of DiA, emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance in the medical field, noting the FDA's role in defining AI standards. Omer Rudick, Director of Big Data and AI at Elbit, stressed the need for individuals to adapt and responsibly utilize AI technologies, highlighting the democratizing effect of AI on product development.
Noa Alfandary Peller, director of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google, emphasized Google's commitment to responsible AI practices, dating back to the publication of its responsibility principles in 2018. She highlighted Google's efforts to combat harmful content using AI-based technology and stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing complex AI-related challenges.
In conclusion, the conference underscored the dual role of regulation as both a restrictive and enabling tool in promoting technological advancement. Participants emphasized the need for flexible regulation, incorporating self-regulatory mechanisms and collaboration across various sectors. By involving industry, academia, and other stakeholders, Israel aims to establish regulations that foster innovation while upholding ethical standards.
Prof. Dov Greenbaum, director, Zvi Meitar Institute
Yael Cohen, senior vice president data, Lemonade
Hila Goldman-Azulay, CEO & co-founder, DiA
Omer Rudick, director Big Data & AI, Elbit
Noa Alfandary Peller, Director of public policy & government relations, Google