IGF 2023 WS #258 Is Star Trek Our Coming Reality?

Subtheme

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technologies
Blockchain, Digital Assets & Web 3-based Ecosystems
Chat GPT, Generative AI, and Machine Learning
Future & Sustainable Work in the World of Generative AI
Metaverse
Virtual/Augmented Reality

Organizer 1: Gabrielle Pantera, Heroic Robots

Speaker 1: Jane Thomason, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
Speaker 2: Orero Pilar, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Robin Rowe, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Moderator

Gabrielle Pantera, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Robin Rowe, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Robin Rowe, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format

Round Table - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

As we build a real world of abundance using generative AI, telecommunications and sustainable energy, will it be a socialist Star Trek workers paradise, or perpetual war against an authoritarian Star Wars emperor threatening worlds with his planet-exploding Death Star, or the benign rule of Day the Earth Stood Still peace-enforcing robot overlords, or humans fleeing out-of-control Terminator military robots, or something else? Will AI, automation and sustainability solve or create conflicts? What changes do we anticipate for the Internet, society, finance, government and technology? How may we adapt or shape them?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Per the IGF mandate, we seek to… Identify emerging issues, bring them to the attention of the relevant bodies and the general public, and make recommendations. To help find solutions to the issues arising from the use and misuse of the Internet, of particular concern to everyday users.

Description:

In Star Trek, cooks and food service workers have been entirely replaced by automated food replicators. The ship's doctor is a generative AI virtual hologram. Only the ship's charmingly retro bar, 10 Forward, with immigrant bartenders, employs workers. However, their role is being a willing ear to patrons. Mixing drinks is automated. And nobody needs money, as there is such abundance that anything can be 3D-printed at the touch of a button.

In this round table forum, everyone is welcome to suggest how new technology, regulations and evolution of the Internet may be crafted to create our best future.

Expected Outcomes

A potentially seminal event to challenge futurists and forward-thinking policy makers. Expect participants to discover, and form collaborations with, like-minded decision-makers for future publications, conference events and international decision processes.

Hybrid Format: Produced a international live digital talk show series with Universal. Worked at Disney and Fox Television. Experience moderating both onsite and online panels. Will use Zoom or possibly ITU teleconference system, whatever tech seems appropriate. When mixing online and onsite, I typically read questions out of chat and unmute the person asking online. Am inclusive, enable others to speak and get their questions addressed.