George Orwell's 1984 has made waves in the cultural world, even if it's someone comparing the dystopian novel to why they can't buy a breakfast meal after 11 am. However, Microsoft believes that real-life technology may soon replicate Big Brother's in the coming years. Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, made the somewhat scary prediction on BBC Panorama. In it, the UK news giant explored how China uses artificial intelligence to keep an eye on its citizens. Smith said that the government needs to keep up-to-date on how technology can spy on people and create laws to protect citizens' privacy as it develops.

Microsoft is warning investors that artificial intelligence technology as well as any changes to trade policies around the world may present risks to its business. In a regulatory filing Friday, the Redmond, Wash.-based tech powerhouse said that "AI algorithms may be flawed. Datasets may be insufficient or contain biased information. Inappropriate or controversial data practices by Microsoft or others could impair the acceptance of AI solutions." It's the first time the company has specifically mentioned AI technology in such detail in its 10-K filing as part of its standard list of potential risk factors.