Antony West (Author)

As artificial intelligence permeates more aspects of our infrastructure, economy, and even personal lives, there’s a growing concern about the “illusion of control.” We might believe we are still in charge, making the ultimate decisions, but what if AI systems are subtly guiding our choices, optimising processes, or even setting agendas in ways we don’t fully comprehend? From smart grids managing energy distribution to financial algorithms influencing market stability, these complex systems often operate beyond the direct, moment-to-moment oversight of individual humans. The challenge lies in maintaining genuine human agency and accountability as AI becomes increasingly autonomous and interconnected. How much control do you feel we’ve already ceded to AI systems in daily life?