AI Solutionism - Three Questions and Two Answers

When AI is presented as a miracle cure for all the ills of the world the first question I always ask is 'how else could we solve this problem?' More or less every time there's an answer waiting in that question, usually one which isn't just well known but often one which has been advocated for by those most inescapably tied to the issues in the first place.When Prince William says that AI is the solution to homelessness that fundamental question flashes by even more quickly. There are legions of homelessness campaigners, unhoused people themselves, activists, random members of the public and even the odd politician who can outline viable solutions to the problem (mostly involving giving people, you know, homes - affordable, decent homes) and I doubt a single one of them places invasive state surveillance at the top of the list of possibilities.William here is advocating for early detection as the pivot point where AI can step in, monitoring peoples finances, benefit claims and health…