Artificial intelligence survey finds UK public broadly optimistic

Apart from fears of mass unemployment, accidents with machinery, restrictions on freedom, increased economic inequality and a devalued human experience, the public are broadly optimistic about the arrival of artificial intelligence, according to one of the first surveys of British opinions about the technology. Research by the polling firm Ipsos Mori found nearly a third of people believe the risks of "machine learning" outweigh the benefits, while 36% believe the risks and benefits are balanced. Machine learning is technology that underpins internet searches, recommendations on Amazon and Netflix, and voice recognition on smartphones. The findings provide a snapshot of UK views on what some researchers regard as the early stages of a major revolution that is poised to affect almost every aspect of life. The research suggests that – while people are generally positive about the technology for improving medical treatments, guiding driverless cars and personalising education – substantial concerns remain.