Samsung’s Generative AI Raises Concerns and Calls for Regulation
Samsung is making headlines with its latest release, but it’s not just the new features of their smartphones that have people talking. The company’s head of customer experience, Patrick Chomet, believes that generative AI needs to be regulated, and governments are right to be concerned about its capabilities. At the recent Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled a series of AI-powered software capabilities known as Galaxy AI, integrated into their new Galaxy S24 series of phones.
One particular feature called Generative Edit is causing quite a stir. This tool allows users to effortlessly rearrange and enhance images to create the perfect picture or what Samsung refers to as “photographic masterpieces.” The simplicity and seamlessness of Generative Edit have raised concerns about the authenticity and ethics of the images it produces. While photo editing tools have been a staple on smartphones for years, Samsung’s take on it seems to have struck a nerve.
Samsung acknowledges the concerns and emphasizes that Generative Edit is ethical, desirable, and even necessary. Patrick Chomet, in an interview with TechRadar, describes the feature as a natural extension of what smartphones can already do. He explains that consumers have two desires when taking a photo – capturing the moment accurately and completely, and creating something new. Generative Edit aims to fulfill both these desires.
Chomet delves into a philosophical discussion about the concept of a “real picture.” He argues that there is no such thing since any image captured by sensors is a reproduction and lacks inherent meaning. He questions whether using AI to optimize various aspects of a photo, such as zoom, autofocus, and scene, renders it less real or merely filtered. While his musings may be thought-provoking, regulators are unlikely to be swayed by such arguments.
Samsung recognizes the need for regulation and claims to have aligned itself with European regulations on AI. Chomet acknowledges that governments have valid concerns about the implications of widespread AI use and believes that the industry should be regulated. However, he provides little detail on Samsung’s specific efforts in this regard.
As the new Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24, hit the market, it remains to be seen how Generative Edit will be received. It could become another advanced filter, aiding average smartphone users in capturing fantastic photos. On the other hand, it could be categorized as a potential tool for deepfakes, raising further ethical concerns. Chomet admits that while the technology is impressive and powerful, its usage can be both good and bad.
In conclusion, Samsung’s Generative AI capabilities have sparked discussions about the need for regulation. The Generative Edit feature, which allows users to effortlessly enhance images, has raised concerns about authenticity and ethics. Samsung defends the feature as ethical and necessary, catering to consumers’ desires to capture the moment accurately while also enabling creativity. Patrick Chomet acknowledges the importance of regulation and claims that Samsung is working towards it. As the new Galaxy phones make their way into the hands of consumers, the true impact of Generative Edit remains to be seen – whether it becomes a valuable tool or falls into the realm of potential misuse.