“It can be [anything] from a very simple and specific task being replicated in a simple algorithm to an intelligence system that can take complicated decisions,” explained the Digital TV Group’s Yvonne Thomas. “We see a big advantage to using AI and machine learning technologies in... search and discovery. Increasing the reach of content and making it discoverable is absolutely key [for the] monetisation of content.”

Rich Welsh, SVP for innovation at digital technology outfit Deluxe, who chaired the RTS event, said: “[AI] can be used, like any technology, for good or for bad.”

“The risk is very obvious with synthetic [AI-generated] media... you can influence the results of elections; you can have conspiracy theories going wild,” said audio-visual specialist Yota Georgakopoulou. “There is a need for very good deep-fake detection technologies, but I think it also should be obligatory to have clear labelling of synthetic media. Legislation has a role to play here to safeguard us from any potential misuses of technologies.”

Video coding and AI expert Yiannis Andreopoulos said knowledge could fall into too few hands: “There is a risk of monopolies, [with] AI expertise being concentrated in a few companies around the world...It may increase inequality and it may force people in the industry to work with [only] a limited supply of partners.”