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'Video For Light' - PLASA 2017

Shannon Harvey · 21 September 2017

Artificial Intelligence · Entrepreneur · Technologyin
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Key topicsMarking Your Own Homework — Why Human-Facing AI Needs an Outside ExaminerShannon Harvey argues for independent oversight of human-facing AI after more than 15 years building ventures and research programmes where technology meets people. Today most AI safety checks are run by the same model providers and product teams that ship the product, so they grade their own work. Shannon makes the case that governance for AI used in high-trust settings has to sit apart from both, and is building independent governance and certification through Reflection Labs to do it. The conversation covers what an outside check should test, who should run it, and why it protects builders as much as users. Listeners leave knowing what to ask of any AI product that claims to be safe.Handle With Care — Spotting the Cracks in AI Built for Vulnerable MomentsShannon Harvey looks at where AI products used in emotionally sensitive settings put people at risk, drawing on 15+ years building technical and creative systems that people experience first hand. Human-facing AI now reaches people at fragile moments, and most teams only find the risks after users do. Shannon explains how builders can spot those risks early, what to look for before launch, and what to change in the design when a warning sign shows up. The approach draws on a background in performance, where timing and restraint decide whether an interaction stays safe. Listeners leave with a practical way to test an emotionally sensitive AI product before it reaches the people it could hurt.Where AI Regulation Misses Real-World UseShannon Harvey works on the gap between AI regulation and how human-facing products are really used, after 15+ years turning advanced research into real-world deployment. Rules tend to be written around models and risk categories, while harm shows up in daily use: how a product is deployed, who it reaches and the setting it enters. Shannon explains where those gaps open, why they matter most in high-trust settings, and what builders can do without waiting for regulators to catch up. Listeners leave able to spot when a product sits outside the rules in practice even though it passes every check on paper.View all topics →

About Shannon Harvey

Shannon Harvey, podcast guest

Founder & AI Safety Researcher

15+ years Founding and leading studios and research initiativesApple TV+ Virtual production leadership on Silo and HijackProduction Park Established its research labReflection Labs Founder, independent governance for human-facing AI

Shannon Harvey is a founder, researcher and innovation leader focused on AI safety, human behaviour and responsible technology. He is currently developing research and practical testing frameworks to help companies identify and reduce the emotional, psychological and social risks created by human-facing AI.

With 15+ years of experience spanning technology, immersive media, live production, research and academia, Shannon brings a unique perspective shaped by both systems engineering and a background in performance. He has led complex technical and creative projects, including virtual production for Apple TV+ productions such as Silo and Hijack, research at Production Park, and platform adoption work with disguise. He was also Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Visual Production degree at Backstage Academy, now the Academy of Live Technology.

Shannon originally trained and performed as an opera singer before moving into theatre, and large-scale live production. His experience of performance, audience interaction and safety engineering has shaped the way he thinks about AI: particularly the importance of understanding context, vulnerability, trust and what can happen when systems behave unexpectedly.

His current research explores the often-overlooked side of AI safety - what happens when people trust, depend on or emotionally engage with AI systems, particularly in high-trust and vulnerable situations.

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