The prestigious magazine Time has once again released its highly anticipated "Time 100 AI" list, a compilation aimed at highlighting the 100 most influential personalities in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence (AI). This list serves as a barometer to identify the leaders shaping the technology of our time, and it arrives with a mix of expected names and notable absences that have sparked criticism and controversy within the tech sector.
A segmented list to understand the AI ecosystem
Time has structured its list into four main categories, offering a complex view of the different actors driving the AI revolution:
- Leaders: Executives from large corporations and projects that are at the forefront of AI.
- Innovators: Creative and technical minds developing new technologies and models.
- Transformers: Individuals applying AI to transform entire industries and sectors.
- Thinkers: Philosophers, ethicists, and visionaries reflecting on the social implications and challenges posed by AI.
Among the names appearing on the list are widely recognized figures such as Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg. The presence of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, and Fidji Simo, the new CEO of OpenAI applications, is also noted, reflecting recognition of key figures in the hardware and software that underpin contemporary AI.
The notable absences causing noise: an inexplicable oversight?
However, what stands out most about this year's list is not so much those included, but the notable absences which have raised concerns about the objectivity of Time's selection process.
- Demis Hassabis: This is possibly the most puzzling omission. Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, is considered by many to be "the most influential person in the world of artificial intelligence." His leadership has been crucial for significant advancements, and last year, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in AI. His absence from the list of the 100 most influential is, to say the least, surprising.
- Geoffrey Hinton: Recognized as "the father of artificial intelligence," his lack of inclusion is also striking. Hinton is one of the pioneers whose research laid the groundwork for modern neural networks and has become one of the most respected and critical voices on the existential dangers of AI. While his colleague Joshua Bengio does appear on the list, Hinton's omission raises questions.
- Mustafa Suleyman: The current vice president of Microsoft AI, Suleyman has also been left out. His work is fundamental to Microsoft's strategy in developing its own models and competing in the AI race, highlighting his influence in the tech industry.
Reactions have been strong, with critics commenting on how difficult it is to understand how Time could overlook personalities of such caliber.
A positive surprise: recognition for an anonymous hacker
Despite the criticisms, this year's list introduces a novelty that has been well received: recognition of a figure outside a major corporation. For the first time, Pliny the Liberator, an anonymous AI hacker, appears on the list.
Pliny has dedicated his work to highlighting vulnerabilities in AI models, exposing how they can be manipulated to perform tasks that, in theory, are banned. His work has been so influential that his "hacking" methods can be passively used during the training of new models, allowing them to "self-hack" automatically, thus helping the community develop more secure systems.
True to his nature, Pliny the Liberator appears on the list without a photo, ensuring his anonymity. This inclusion underscores the importance of the independent community and cybersecurity in the development of AI.
Reflections on the Time 100 AI 2023 list
Ultimately, while this year's Time 100 AI list offers an enriching perspective on the personalities shaping our future, its notable omissions render it an incomplete and controversial document. It attracts the attention of both AI enthusiasts and critics, making it a must-read for those seeking to understand the complexity of the artificial intelligence domain. However, it is advisable to approach this list with healthy skepticism, considering the major figures who have been left out.
For further analysis and information about the world of artificial intelligence and its main players, readers are invited to continue exploring this blog.
