AI is creepy, I think most people agree. And it's beginnings include the pirating of countless copyrighted material to train AI models - which is a crime - so is it a surprise that AI has become Big Brother? Looking in on our lives and movements, then reporting back when we make what's perceived as a misstep?

This week we are diving into AI policing, facial recognition, and AI scams.

Let's get into it!

In this episode we cover

• NAACP defines predictive policing, warns of problems and prejudices and offers suggestions
• Facial recognition is already here - and might be changing the prices of your groceries
• Colorado is taking a different approach to AI - and their experiment means more transparency and guardrails
• AI scams are everywhere and we cover the top ones
• Real-life stories of when AI gets it wrong

What to Read/Watch/Listen to NEXT

Artificial Intelligence Predictive Policing Issue Brief, NAACP (please donate to this human-first organization!)

Surveillance and Predictive Policing through AI, Deloitte

Facial recognition in Colorado, State of Surveillance.org

AI Scams Even Brilliant People May Fall For, AI for Beginners

The GREAT Karen Rontowski is on tour across the US, find tickets here

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Support the show

Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved.

But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog.

***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***

Hero Organizations:

80,000 Hours

Center for Humane Technologies

State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy

Curious Cat Crew on Socials:
Curious Cat on Twitter (X)
Curious Cat on Instagram
Curious Cat on TikTok

If you're like Jenn and Jesse, then you mostly try to avoid the news. But, if you want to dip a toe, then doom holes might be the way. We skim over the daily AI headlines with humor and love and sometimes a bit of anxiety, but always end with ways to feel better about the state of the world.

This week's segment is no different. We begin with some Bernie love, a few Napoleon Dynamite quotes and then Jesse reveals his seedy past as it relates to Playboy. Did he really serve (just) risotto to the cast members?

How any of this gets us closer to finding his old film professor, Biscuits? Well, we have no idea.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved.

But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog.

***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***

Hero Organizations:

80,000 Hours

Center for Humane Technologies

State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy

Curious Cat Crew on Socials:
Curious Cat on Twitter (X)
Curious Cat on Instagram
Curious Cat on TikTok

Jenn and Jesse sit down with fine artist, and even finer human being, Ana Marija Kovacevic. She comes with her unique perspective as a citizen of Bosnia and is the voice behind our opening riff.

You are in for such a treat, some clanker bashing, inspiration to make art that is far from perfect, and to exercise the muscles to love your life, your pursuits, the people and animals around you thoroughly.

One favorite among many quotes from the episode? Ana said this about artists using AI as a crutch. "Are you that scared to fail that you need a clanker to hold your hand along the way?"

Get ready for a five-star conversation.

Connect with Ana Marija's work on Cara

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved.

But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog.

***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***

Hero Organizations:

80,000 Hours

Center for Humane Technologies

State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy

Curious Cat Crew on Socials:
Curious Cat on Twitter (X)
Curious Cat on Instagram
Curious Cat on TikTok