AI and the future of the arts

As always, there is a lot going on in the AI space. Over the last two weeks, we saw Meta introduce and then roll back a new AI image feature on Instagram and the Prime Minister is set to talk more about AI and potential protections in Australia. Artificial intelligence seems to be something that is here to stay and almost everyday we hear something on the news or see something new embedded into an app we use.

The federal government is trying to strike a balance between encouraging AI investment and protecting the public from harms such as biased decision-making, misinformation, unsafe AI systems and privacy breaches. Rather than introducing a single AI Act like the European Union, Australia is strengthening existing laws and considering additional “guardrails” for high-risk AI uses. AI safety, public trust and accountability are central themes in current government policy.

Artificial Intelligence is a big deal. While the technology is fascinating, one can’t help wondering what an A.I. future spells for the arts, for artists, and for what it means to be human.

Fiona Bartholomaeus chats with Dr Jacqui Boaks, Curriculum Lead with the Curtin Centre for Applied Ethics and Philosopher-in-Residence at the WA Data Science Innovation Hub.