The article discusses the growing synthetic data industry, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic but fake data for training AI models. Synthetic data can help address data privacy concerns and fill gaps in real-world datasets. However, there is a debate over the ethics and potential risks of using synthetic data. Proponents argue that synthetic data can improve AI model performance, reduce bias, and protect privacy. Critics warn that synthetic data could perpetuate biases or create new ones, and that there is a lack of transparency and regulation around its use. The article explores the perspectives of companies like Synthesis AI and Mostly AI, which create synthetic data, as well as researchers and experts who raise concerns about the technology. It highlights the need for guidelines and standards to ensure the responsible use of synthetic data in AI development.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-synthetic-data-industry-debate-over-fake-2024-8