AI washing: Silicon Valley's big new lie

AI washing is a deceptive marketing practice prevalent in Silicon Valley, where the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is exaggerated in products and services. This phenomenon involves labeling products with old-school algorithms as "AI-powered" and showcasing bold AI projects that actually rely on human intervention behind the scenes. For instance, Amazon's high-tech stores and self-driving cars from companies like Alphabet's Waymo and General Motors' Cruise require human assistance despite being marketed as AI-driven solutions. The trend of AI washing misleads the public and the tech industry by promoting the idea that AI can solve all problems without human involvement. This practice distorts funding priorities, leading to inferior solutions and unrealistic expectations about AI capabilities. The industry needs to be transparent about the role of AI in products, and consumers should demand proof of AI functionality to avoid falling for misleading marketing tactics. Ultimately, the prevalence of AI washing highlights the importance of acknowledging the limitations of AI and the value of human involvement in technological advancements.