Frank Pasquale Bücher

Every day, corporations are connecting the dots about our personal behavior—silently scrutinizing clues left behind by our work habits and Internet use. The data compiled and portraits created are incredibly detailed, to the point of being invasive. But who connects the dots about what firms are doing with this information? The Black Box Society argues that we all need to be able to do so—and to set limits on how big data affects our lives. Hidden algorithms can make (or ruin) reputations, decide the destiny of entrepreneurs, or even devastate an entire economy. Shrouded in secrecy and complexity, decisions at major Silicon Valley and Wall Street firms were long assumed to be neutral and technical. But leaks, whistleblowers, and legal disputes have shed new light on automated judgment. Self-serving and reckless behavior is surprisingly common, and easy to hide in code protected by legal and real secrecy. Even after billions of dollars of fines have been levied, underfunded regulators may have only scratched the surface of this troubling behavior. Frank Pasquale exposes how powerful interests abuse secrecy for profit and explains ways to rein them in. Demanding transparency is only the first step. An intelligible society would assure that key decisions of its most important firms are fair, nondiscriminatory, and open to criticism. Silicon Valley and Wall Street need to accept as much accountability as they impose on others.

AI is set to transform our work and lives, and we can leverage these technologies through wise regulation. Many CEOs predict a future where automation renders jobs obsolete, suggesting a stark choice: adapt or be replaced. However, an alternative narrative exists. In various fields, robotic systems can enhance the value of labor rather than diminish it. The author highlights how professionals like nurses, teachers, and designers collaborate with technologists, turning potential threats into opportunities for better healthcare, education, and more, while preserving meaningful work. These partnerships illustrate how law and regulation can foster shared prosperity instead of a zero-sum competition between humans and machines. Key questions arise: How much should we allow AI to take over human tasks? What are the implications of such changes? What balance should exist between robotic and human interaction? The author argues that policymakers must not leave these critical decisions to corporations or engineers alone. The nature of automation and its beneficiaries will hinge on countless decisions regarding AI development. Proposing methods to democratize decision-making, the author envisions a future where human skills remain central to an inclusive economy, presenting a sober yet hopeful perspective on technological advancement.

The book presents a compelling argument for rethinking our relationship with AI, emphasizing collaboration between humans and technology rather than replacement. Frank Pasquale highlights the potential for robotic systems to enhance the value of various professions, including healthcare and education, by fostering partnerships. He advocates for a reengineering of policies to ensure equitable technological advancement, stressing the need for democratic decision-making in AI development. This optimistic vision seeks to place human expertise at the forefront of an inclusive economy, promoting prosperity for all.