AI's Dark Side: Risks of Artificial Intelligence When Users Are Asleep

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly integrated into daily life, appearing in smartphones, workplaces, security systems, and even criminal activities. While AI enhances productivity by generating content, analyzing data, and automating tasks, it also introduces new risks such as sophisticated voice cloning and deepfake videos used by fraudsters to steal millions. Additionally, AI-driven automation threatens white-collar jobs, and military applications raise concerns about human control over autonomous systems.

Researchers are increasingly warning about misleading behaviors in advanced AI models and caution against overreliance on algorithms. One debated issue involves what AI does on personal devices when users are inactive. Modern phones perform background processes, including "federated learning," where devices locally process data to improve AI models without sending raw user data to central servers.

However, some claims lack credible evidence, such as phones transmitting large amounts of psychological or commercial profiling data overnight or actively listening to private conversations to tailor advertisements. Experts emphasize the need to distinguish between verified technological capabilities and unsupported dramatic assertions about AI surveillance during sleep.

As AI technology continues to evolve and permeate various sectors, understanding its real capabilities and risks remains crucial for users, companies, and policymakers alike.