How apps like GPTZero detect content written by A.I.

CNBC Television
24 Jul 202305:14

TLDREdward Tian, co-founder and CEO of GPT Zero, discusses the importance of distinguishing genuine content from AI-generated material, especially in journalism and investing. With a background in computer science and journalism, Tian highlights the need for third-party technologies like GPT Zero to detect AI-generated content, given that major AI companies may not be incentivized to build such safeguards. He envisions a future where GPT Zero not only detects AI-generated text but also verifies human-written content, aiming to preserve the human aspect in writing and provide a platform that incorporates both detection and verification.

Takeaways

  • 🎓 Edward Tian, a journalism minor and computer science major, is the co-founder and CEO of GPT Zero, reflecting his dual interest in technology and accurate information.
  • 🔍 GPT Zero is a tool developed to detect AI-generated content, which has gained significant popularity and user base in educational institutions like NYU and Purdue.
  • 🤖 Edward's background in both journalism and computer science influenced his drive to preserve the value of genuine writing in the face of advancing AI technologies.
  • 🏛️ The White House recently brokered an informal agreement for tech giants like Microsoft and Meta to adhere to principles that include revealing when content is AI-generated.
  • 🚧 The challenge lies in the fact that large AI companies may not be incentivized to invest in detection safeguards, as their focus is on AI generation, not detection.
  • 💡 GPT Zero is exploring the idea of third-party solutions to build new technologies for AI detection, potentially integrating with operating systems or browsers to indicate AI-generated content.
  • 🌐 AI-generated content can have significant implications for investors, as trading based on false information can be costly and risky for businesses.
  • 🛠️ GPT Zero's vision includes not only detection but also the development of tools for content verification and proof of authorship, aiming to maintain the human aspect in writing.
  • 🤔 The company envisions using AI to enhance detection capabilities, though current generative AI models like ChatGPT are not programmed to identify AI-generated content.
  • 💼 Investors with AI backgrounds recognize the need for a detection layer in the generative AI industry to prevent the training of new models with AI-generated texts, which could lead to inaccuracies.

Q & A

  • What is Edward Tian's educational background?

    -Edward Tian is a computer science major with a minor in journalism.

  • What inspired Edward Tian to develop GPT Zero?

    -His background in computer science and journalism, along with his work experience at the BBC, inspired him to preserve the value of genuine writing in the face of AI-generated content.

  • How does Edward Tian's journalism minor influence his work with GPT Zero?

    -His journalism minor has made him appreciate the value of authentic writing and the need to distinguish it from AI-generated content, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the industry.

  • What was the recent agreement brokered by the White House involving major AI companies?

    -The White House brokered an informal agreement between major AI companies like Microsoft and Meta to abide by certain principles and reveal when content is AI-generated.

  • What challenges do large AI companies face in building safeguards for AI detection?

    -Large AI companies face challenges because their business focus is on generating AI rather than detecting it, which misaligns their incentives to invest in AI detection technologies.

  • How might AI-generated content impact investors and the stock market?

    -AI-generated content can lead to the spread of false facts, which can be costly for investors if they trade based on inaccurate information. Accurate information is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

  • What is GPT Zero's current integration strategy?

    -GPT Zero is integrated with Microsoft Word and has a browser extension to detect AI-generated text on the web and in emails.

  • What is the future vision for GPT Zero?

    -The future vision for GPT Zero includes developing a live tool that not only detects AI-generated content but also verifies human-written content, aiming to preserve the human aspect in writing.

  • Is there a plan for GPT Zero to use AI to catch AI in a conversational generative way?

    -Currently, generative AI models like ChatGPT are not programmed for this purpose, but the same technologies used in GPT Zero will enhance AI detection capabilities.

  • How does GPT Zero's detection layer benefit the generative AI industry?

    -The detection layer is essential for the generative AI industry as it prevents the misuse of AI-generated texts in training new models, which could lead to inaccurate and unreliable outcomes.

  • What is the significance of GPT Zero's verification feature?

    -The verification feature aims to provide proof of authorship, distinguishing between parts of content that were AI-generated and parts that were written by humans, thus preserving the authenticity of writing.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Edward Tian on AI Detection and Journalism

Edward Tian, co-founder and CEO of GPT Zero, discusses his background in computer science and journalism, and how it influenced his interest in AI accuracy. He talks about the challenges of AI companies investing in detection safeguards due to their focus on AI generation rather than detection. The conversation touches on the recent White House-brokered agreement for tech giants like Microsoft and Meta to reveal AI-generated content. Tian envisions a future where devices and browsers have built-in AI detection features, emphasizing the importance for investors to discern AI-generated information to avoid costly mistakes. GPT Zero's vision includes integration with platforms like Microsoft Word and a live tool for content verification, aiming to preserve the human aspect in writing.

05:01

🛡️ The Need for a Detection Layer in Generative AI

The discussion highlights the necessity of a detection layer within the generative AI industry to prevent the misuse of AI-generated texts in training new models, which could lead to inaccuracies and complications. The overlap between detection and generative AI is emphasized, with mention of investors from AI backgrounds like Altman Capital and Sability AI, who recognize the importance of this detection technology.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Detection

AI Detection refers to the process of identifying content that has been generated by artificial intelligence rather than by a human. In the context of the video, it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of information and preserving the value of genuine human writing. The script mentions the development of tools like GPT Zero that aim to detect AI-generated content, which is important for industries such as journalism and investing where accurate information is paramount. The example given is the use of GPT Zero to identify over 500 sites using AI-generated news, highlighting the potential risks of trading based on false information.

💡GPT Zero

GPT Zero is a startup company co-founded by Edward Tian, who is interviewed in the video. It focuses on developing technologies to detect AI-generated content. The company's vision extends beyond mere detection to include a live tool for verifying the authenticity of writing, aiming to preserve the human aspect in content creation. The script discusses GPT Zero's integration with platforms like Microsoft Word and its potential to become a built-in feature in operating systems or browsers to indicate AI-generated text.

💡Journalism

Journalism is the profession of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. In the video, Edward Tian's background in journalism plays a significant role in his motivation to create GPT Zero. The concern is that the proliferation of AI-generated content could undermine the value and authenticity of journalistic writing. The script highlights the need for tools like GPT Zero to help maintain the integrity of journalism in the face of advancing AI technologies.

💡Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of computers and computing technologies, including hardware, software, and algorithms. Edward Tian's major in Computer Science is directly related to his work on AI detection, as it involves using computational methods to identify patterns and characteristics of AI-generated content. The script mentions his research with Microsoft and Princeton's natural language processing app, which are rooted in computer science principles.

💡Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing is a subfield of computer science and artificial intelligence that focuses on the interaction between computers and human languages. In the video, NLP is crucial for the development of AI detection tools like GPT Zero, as it involves teaching computers to understand and generate human language. The script refers to Edward Tian's research in this area, which contributes to his expertise in detecting AI-generated content.

💡Microsoft

Microsoft is a leading technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. In the context of the video, Microsoft is mentioned as a company with which Edward Tian has conducted research, specifically in the area of natural language processing and AI detection. The collaboration with Microsoft signifies the importance of industry giants in the development and validation of AI detection technologies.

💡Investing

Investing refers to the act of allocating resources, usually money, with the expectation of generating an income or profit. In the video, the importance of accurate information for investors is emphasized, as incorrect data can lead to costly decisions. The script discusses the use of GPT Zero to identify AI-generated news sites, which could potentially affect investment strategies based on such information.

💡AI Generation

AI Generation refers to the creation of content, such as text, images, or audio, by artificial intelligence systems. The video highlights the challenge of distinguishing between AI-generated and human-generated content. The growth of AI generation capabilities is seen as both an opportunity and a threat, with the potential to transform industries but also to spread misinformation if not properly managed.

💡White House Agreement

The White House Agreement mentioned in the video refers to an informal understanding between major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta to adhere to certain principles, including the disclosure of AI-generated content. This agreement signifies a step towards industry self-regulation and the recognition of the need for transparency in AI-generated outputs.

💡Third-Party Tools

Third-Party Tools are software applications or services provided by entities other than the primary creator of a product or service. In the context of the video, GPT Zero is described as a third-party tool that fills the gap in AI detection, as large AI companies may not be incentivized to develop such safeguards due to their focus on AI generation. These tools are essential for verifying the authenticity of content and ensuring the integrity of information flows.

💡Moat

In business, a 'moat' refers to a sustainable competitive advantage that sets a company apart from its competitors. In the video, Edward Tian discusses GPT Zero's moat, which includes its integration with platforms like Microsoft Word and its vision for a live tool that not only detects AI-generated content but also verifies the authenticity of writing. The moat concept is crucial for GPT Zero's strategic positioning and long-term success in the market.

Highlights

Edward Tian, co-founder and CEO of GPT Zero, discusses the importance of distinguishing genuine content from AI-generated material.

Tian's background in journalism and computer science influenced his pursuit of technologies that can identify AI-generated content.

GPT Zero has gained popularity in educational institutions like NYU and Purdue, with over a million registered users since its launch in January.

The challenge of AI companies to invest in safeguard technologies due to their focus on AI generation rather than detection.

The potential for third-party startups like GPT Zero to develop new technologies for AI detection due to the lack of incentives from major AI companies.

The idea of integrating AI detection into device operating systems or browsers to indicate AI-generated content.

The significance of accurate information for investors, as AI-generated news can lead to costly trading decisions based on false facts.

GPT Zero's vision includes a live tool for proving authorship and verifying content, aiming to preserve the human aspect in writing.

The future of GPT Zero involves not just detection but also a platform that incorporates verification and detection to enhance the writing process.

The potential overlap between generative AI and detection technologies, as the industry recognizes the need for a detection layer.

Investors from an AI background, such as Altman Capital and Sability AI, see the value in GPT Zero's detection capabilities.

The critical role of AI detection in training new models, to avoid the pitfalls of using AI-generated texts for model training.

GPT Zero's goal to enhance AI detection and its potential to be used in a conversational generative way to identify AI-generated content.

The importance of maintaining the value of human writing in the face of AI advancements in the industry.

The impact of AI on the journalism industry and the need for tools like GPT Zero to adapt to these changes.

The role of AI in writing and the potential for platforms that balance AI assistance with human creativity and authenticity.

The challenge of incentivizing AI companies to build safeguards against the generation of misleading or false information.