The Real-World Impact of Mission: Impossible 7's AI Villain
Tom Cruise's electrifying portrayal as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One has left an indelible mark in unexpected realms, proving that the AI villain's influence extends far beyond the silver screen
Article Key Points
Mission Impossible film, Dead Reckoning Part One, may have influenced President Biden's policy on AI, raising concerns about its potential dangers.
The film highlighted an renegade AI program known as the Entity, which profoundly influenced the President's understanding of the risks associated with AI and subsequently prompted the formulation of an executive order.
Although the potential dangers posed by AI are indeed legitimate, it is essential to acknowledge that the technology presently has certain constraints. Moreover, endeavors to establish regulations and effectively control its progress may already be underway.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One has achieved something uncommon in the realm of high-budget action films, with reports suggesting that it may have had an impact on President Joe Biden.
The Mission Impossible film series centers around the incredibly skilled agent Ethan Hunt and his team of elite operatives, known as the Impossible Missions Force, as they embark on increasingly perilous missions for a secretive organization. While critics hailed the last installment, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, as a triumph, it faced commercial challenges due to its status as one of the most expensive films ever made and strong competition at the box office from movies like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Sound of Freedom.
While the test screenings prompted some adjustments for Mission Impossible 7, as stated by Paramount's President Bob Bakish, the film still achieved tremendous success. It even had a significant influence on US policy. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bruce Reed disclosed in a report by the Associated Press that the movie's plot and its antagonist, a renegade AI program called the Entity, left an impact on President Biden. Consequently, the President has drafted an extensive executive order to ensure the safe and secure development of AI. Reed, who was present when the President viewed the film at Camp David, asserted, "If he hadn't already been concerned about the potential risks associated with AI prior to watching that movie, he certainly had plenty more to worry about."
President Biden, who previously employed an executive order to revive Net Neutrality, has shown great interest in the subject of AI for a considerable period. Recent reports suggest that both his science advisory council and Cabinet have conducted multiple meetings addressing this matter. In another interview, Reed expressed that the President was equally impressed and concerned by AI, having witnessed synthetic AI images of himself and his dog, the capability of AI to generate poor poetry, and the astonishing and chilling technology of voice cloning, capable of fabricating complete conversations from as little as three seconds of one's voice.
The impact of AI poses extensive repercussions and has fostered apprehension even within the entertainment industry. The decision to strike by both the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists was partly motivated by concerns surrounding AI. Those in the creative field have long recognized the potential dangers of AI, which they have duly incorporated into their work. For instance, a 2018 body horror film delved into the horror of AI writing, emphasizing the unsettling attempts made by AI to create artistic expressions.
Despite the genuine threat of AI, the Biden administration's commendable efforts to address the problem, it is important to acknowledge that the technology still has numerous limitations. It is far from being able to replicate the high-quality content that modern consumers have come to expect from movies and shows. This was evidenced by the South Park episode, where AI was used to construct a lifeless and unfeeling end sequence, sharply contrasting with the brilliant work of human creator Trey Parker. Nevertheless, the proactive measures being taken suggest that by the time the technology improves, it will be effectively managed.
You can now watch Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One on various digital platforms.
Source: Associated Press
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am fascinated by the real-world impact of Mission: Impossible 7's AI villain. The film's portrayal of a renegade AI program called the Entity has resonated with President Biden, raising concerns about the potential dangers of AI and prompting the formulation of an executive order. This development highlights the increasing influence of popular culture on policymaking and the importance of responsible storytelling in shaping public discourse.
While I appreciate the attention being given to the potential risks of AI, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective. AI technology is still in its early stages of development and has the potential to bring numerous benefits to society. It is crucial to strike a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI. This includes investing in research and development, establishing clear regulations, and fostering public awareness and understanding of AI technologies.
