- Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz mentioned that mushrooms poisoned an entire family as they tried to eat based on an AI-generated guide.
- The event raises valid questions about the credibility and quality of AI-generated content, especially when disinformation poses a threat.
- Schwartz underscored the legal and ethical concerns of AI-generated content and consumer protection by citing a legal case.
David Schwartz, the CTO of Ripple, has recently shared an unfortunate example of an instance when fake news generated using AI systems had fatal health outcomes. The matter was recently pointed out by a Reddit who shared a story of a family hospitalized due to poisoning with poisonous mushrooms.
The mushrooms were identified with an error by an AI-created mushroom field guide. Schwartz, who is very active on social media, took to the platform to draw the public’s attention to the possible risks of relying on AI for important information, specifically in published works.
A Case of AI-Generated Inaccuracy
The book, bought from a leading online store, contained images and texts claimed to have been created by the AI. The erroneous information in the book led the family to consume poisonous mushrooms, which compelled them to seek medical attention. Even though the retailer issued a refund for the book, the occurrence has raised concerns over the presence of poor, AI-written material online.
Describing the state of affairs, Schwartz used a legal precedent from the case of Winter v. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. In the 1991 case, the two men got seriously ill after using a guide that contained wrong info and were required to have liver transplants.
The court ruled in favor of the publisher, which has the following implications regarding the liability and protection of consumers about published materials. By appealing to this case, Schwartz makes a perfect point regarding the contemporary legal and ethical concerns of AI-generated content in the modern world.
The warning of the Ripple executive has been seen as valid based on the growing trend of AI-generated content, especially in sectors that require precision. Schwartz also shared a Reddit post that sparked questions about who is to blame, with the original author asking if negligence like this could be turned to the authorities.
In the future, there will likely be more discussions on how appropriate the utilization of AI technology is and what measures have to be put in place to ensure the consumer is shielded. The incident also shows the need to evaluate sources’ reliability, especially with information that can have practical implications.
Crypto News Land, also abbreviated as "CNL", is an independent media entity - we are not affiliated with any company in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. We aim to provide fresh and relevant content that will help build up the crypto space since we believe in its potential to impact the world for the better. All of our news sources are credible and accurate as we know it, although we do not make any warranty as to the validity of their statements as well as their motive behind it. While we make sure to double-check the veracity of information from our sources, we do not make any assurances as to the timeliness and completeness of any information in our website as provided by our sources. Moreover, we disclaim any information on our website as investment or financial advice. We encourage all visitors to do your own research and consult with an expert in the relevant subject before making any investment or trading decision.
