Arguments over AI (Artificial Intelligence) continue to rage - some predict it will usher in a new industrial revolution, others claim it will destroy humanity completely.

And, as top dog tech companies do all they can to master the technology the race to take Silicon Valley’s most lucrative prize becomes ever-more cut-throat.

With previously undreamt of riches at stake it doesn’t seem difficult for the main players to cast aside any ethical concerns and push on with developing their babies regardless.

But as the bots get better those who fear the damage they will inflict upon humankind ramp up the opposition.

Of course, whether you consider these people to be conspiracy theorists or saviours of humanity depends on your view of AI.

But, whatever you think, don’t be under any illusion taking a back seat, or simply trying to ignore it will be an option – the level to which it will intervene in all our lives will not allow this.

Claims for the power and effectiveness of AI are coming at us thick and fast and companies keen to cut costs are only going to seek more opportunities to make savings.

The latest one I saw was from Greg Jackson, CEO at Octupus Energy who says AI is doing the work of 250 at his company and is already achieving higher satisfaction ratings than humans.

Other chatbots are already being used to offer people help with their ‘wellbeing’ by providing emotional support.

I’m fascinated by this subject and the development of tech in general but try hard not to get sucked into the conspiracy theories.

However, a recent occurrence has led me to ask some serious questions as there’s either been a remarkable coincidence or there’s something else going on behind the scenes which I simply can’t explain.

Recently, when I was visited by a friend we had a discussion about casinos and where you could visit one in Kent. Since then I have been bombarded with a whole series of pop-up ads on both my laptop and my phone.

I obviously realise that if I search for something my computer, iPad or phone will use these details to target me with ads.

But, I haven’t done a physical search, so the only thing I can conclude is that my devices are listening in and using information from my conversations to target me.

That my phone listens in is no great surprise, after all it must be listening the whole time, if only to hear when I’m asking Siri something.

But, although my laptop has a microphone surely it’s not constantly monitoring what I’m saying?

And, there are a number of elements which share information between the devices eg. Acalendar, so are they working together to gather intelligence?

It’s just a thought, what do you think?