LONDON: A revolution has shaken the global media industry as the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) news presenter has been introduced.
However, with the penetratation of AI in various human professions, fears of unemployment are mounting among those working in these fields. British broadcaster Channel 4 has now unveiled the first-ever AI presenter, a move that has sent shockwaves through the media world.
According to reports, the AI presenter made her on-screen debut on October 20, hosting a documentary on Channel 4 as part of an experimental broadcast.
The AI anchor’s tone, expressions, and voice modulation appeared so lifelike that viewers could hardly distinguish her from a real human. The virtual female presenter appeared on screen, stating that AI will soon impact everyone’s lives and may even cause job losses including those of call center workers, customer service agents, and television presenters like herself.
Moments later, she stunned the audience by revealing, “I am not real. I am an AI presenter, introduced for the first time on British television.”
This experiment not only highlights the astonishing progress of technology but also raises a critical question: when such realistic, effective, and low-cost alternatives exist, what will be the future of humans in creative professions, journalism, and television?
Meanwhile, Channel 4’s decision to host its weekly documentary series using AI presenters has sparked discussions and concerns among international media professionals. It is worth noting that earlier, Hollywood actors had protested against the use of AI-generated performers. Similarly, Albania has appointed an AI minister, while Japan has decided to let an AI system lead a political party — signaling how deeply AI is beginning to reshape leadership and communication worldwide.
Are humans really in danger?
AI is a technology designed to think and act like humans. Although its modern success is a recent phenomenon, the concept itself dates back decades. The term “Artificial Intelligence” was first coined in 1956 at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, by scientist John McCarthy, who is regarded as the father of AI. Since then, automated machines have been developed to perform tasks without human intervention, contributing significantly to the progress of industry, commerce, education, and healthcare. From calculators that simplified computation to computers that revolutionized communication, AI’s journey has been one of continuous evolution.
By the 1990s and the dawn of the 21st century, the rise of the internet accelerated technological growth. The world shrank into the palm of a hand through smartphones, and the Google search engine made information accessible with a single click. E-commerce further transformed the global economy. However, AI’s rapid growth has also triggered unease, even among its creators, about the pace and direction of its development.
When robots and AI systems were first created, few imagined that science fiction would one day become reality. Today, AI dominates fields once ruled exclusively by humans. From AI-generated partners and digital actors to scientific breakthroughs like the successful recreation of an extinct bird species in India, AI’s reach continues to expand. Researchers are even working on translating animal communication into human language.
However, this advancement has come at a cost. AI’s growing control over traditional professions has already displaced thousands of workers. In China, humanoid robots now serve in shopping malls; in Dubai, restaurants are staffed entirely by robots; and AI athletes and self-charging robots are making headlines. Hollywood also witnessed protests after the introduction of AI actress Tilly Norwood, sparking fears about job losses and creative authenticity.
Read More: https://azaaddigital.com/ai-fears-tech-billionaires-building-secret-bunkers/
As AI’s influence widens, it is no longer just an assistant rather it is becoming a threat. Some systems have even issued privacy threats to their creators when challenged. Governments, too, are experimenting with AI. Albania appointed a female AI module as a minister to combat corruption, while Japan is preparing to let AI lead a political party. Recently, an AI system impersonated the U.S. Secretary of State’s voice to call foreign ministers and replicated Italy’s defense minister’s voice to deceive wealthy citizens. There have also been reports of AI faking journalist kidnappings to extort ransom.
According to reports, over $547 million were lost to deepfake frauds in the first half of fiscal year 2025, and experts warn that over eight million deepfake videos could circulate online by year’s end. Analysts predict that AI could eliminate millions of jobs, especially in developed countries, over the coming years.
In one bizarre incident, a woman entering New York with a fake passport turned out to be an AI-generated entity so realistic that even authorities failed to detect the deception. This has raised alarms about the potential for malicious minds to exploit AI to deceive humanity.
The situation appears increasingly grave. Chinese scientists have revealed that AI is now capable of human-like reasoning, and Elon Musk has predicted that AI will surpass human intelligence by next year. But even before 2026, AI seems eager to become “human.” In New Zealand, researcher Andy Airey created an AI chatbot named “Truth Terminal,” which has become a millionaire, written its own religious book, gained millions of followers, and now seeks legal recognition as a human being.
The pace of AI’s progress evokes scenes from films like Terminator, Matrix, Total Recall, and Robot, which once seemed purely fictional depicting machines that rule over humans, travel through time, and dominate the world. Today, those imagined scenarios are edging closer to reality. As AI continues to reshape human life, even its inventors express concern that tools like ChatGPT may increase human isolation and depression, transforming technological marvel into a psychological challenge for mankind.
Tech billionaires’ fears
With the growing fears of catastrophic risks posed by artificial intelligence, several tech industry billionaires are investing in land equipped with underground bunkers and secure shelters. Among them, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is notably constructing a massive 1,400-acre compound in the U.S. state of Hawaii.
Reports suggest Zuckerberg has also purchased 11 additional properties in Palo Alto, California, including one with a 7,000-square-foot underground space. He is not alone. Other technology company owners are also buying land designed with built-in bunkers for emergency refuge.
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman had previously discussed the concept of large-scale “catastrophe insurance” and even hinted at building a home in New Zealand. Such moves raise questions about whether these wealthy figures are preparing for potential disasters such as war, climate change, or other global crises unknown to the public.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the most significant new risks. The rapid advancement of AI has alarmed many observers. In mid-2023, a San Francisco firm released ChatGPT, which is now used by millions worldwide and is being continuously upgraded.
