Watch out the robots have evolved

There is a fierce debate about the evolving AI (artificial intelligence). Couched behind the idea that AI is benign technology savants such as Eric Schmidt of Google have reiterated that digital assistants and autonomous mobility reinforce the helpful nature of AI. Such considerations are far from the truth if Professor Stephen Hawking’s apprehensions are taken into account.

He has made categorical statements in the form of warnings that robots are evolving faster than the minds of Homo sapiens. Although he did not utter these words you can read between the lines when he says it is difficult to predict how the robots function – is it possible they may be the Hannibal Lecters of tomorrow? (Hannibal Lecter is a metaphor for describing brilliance with macabre).

Possible AI attack by robots on Henry N Portner
This gruesome comparison is necessitated because of the way the internet is adopting ‘false news’ as the holy grail. On the one hand news feeds are directed at us in such a way that meets our approval. Anything else which is contrary is perceived as ‘hate’ or ‘not necessary’. Negativity on the internet is disturbing and damaging as Henry N Portner, USPTO found to his horror.

The successful; 60-year=old attorney from Florida found his image being attacked viciously through blog posts that screamed headlines such as Henry N Portner, misconduct. Fortunately the issues were cleared and Henry N Portner went back to doing what he knows best – dispense solid legal advice to those who need it. His integrity took a beating for a short period but he is none the worse for wear.

Is the Henry N Portner case part of the AI evolution or were some nefarious characters behind it? The question is moot as several other similar cases have hit the internet.

Underestimating the threat of misinformation

The title is a sophisticated method of alternatively stating it as ‘Underestimating the threat of lies”. Falsehood, misleading statements are nothing new. Ever since Homo sapiens began to think (the big differentiator with other species) truth and lies have been a part of civilization. Till the 21^st Century lies were part of people to people or Government to Government. The beginning of this Century communication exploded through the medium of the Internet. Sir Tim Berners Lee wrote the first protocol for the World Wide Web in 1989 and within a decade it became the de facto methodology of exchanging information.

At first as information became easier some people realized that it could be used as a means of misinforming a large body of people with misinformation. For example people have targeted leading personalities in certain professions with false stories such as Henry NPortner, USPTO. He is one of the top legal luminaries operating out of Florida. He practices in Supreme Court, Appeal Court and District Courts. Such is his standing, that he is authorized to practice in six States. 

He is a very experienced attorney and in the business for more than three decades. His hard won reputation took a beating when Henry N Portner misconduct stories started making rounds on social media. Taken aback henry Portner tried to find the source of these stories. The Internet is an ocean and despite being skilled he was unable to pinpoint the source. However clients were aware of Henry N Portner’s ethics which were solid and non-negotiable. He was able to sustain such threats and continues to counsel clients as before. 

Lesser mortals would have found the going tough. That is the reason why underestimating the threat of lies on the internet should not be taken lightly.

The politics of misinformation

Politics has always favored the liars. The people who tell the truth have to bear a lot of trials and tribulations. People such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King who have been the torch bearers of truth are stellar examples. Take the case of President Nixon, President Clinton of recent vintage. Although caught in a lie or lies they managed to wiggle out and carve a legacy. Did not the people of United States of America have a choice?

 Frankly they never had – once the President was elected he only had to convince a few hundred (other politicians of his Party) and the rest to use a cliché – history was made. One President resigned before he could have been impeached. The other President was impeached and charged with actions considered misdemeanors and hence was found not guilty thus allowing him to run for a second term. All of the above come under the heading of selective misinformation; Even though it is true - technically not guilty.

Do you think ordinary or even exemplary mortals get second chances as above? Take the case of Henry N Portner, USPTO. He is considered crème de la crème among the attorneys in Florida, The Supreme Court considers him an asset to the judiciary. Six States allow him to practice in their Courts. He is busy, well informed and a leading pillar of his society. 

When he gets trolled by fake news such as Henry N Portner, misconduct blogs or Henry N Portner, reprimand stories in articles you can imagine the furor in the legal community. Fortunately Henry N Morton’s ethics are of a high standard and the threat of trolls mitigated until it died without gaining any traction. Suffice to say that his integrity suffered some hits which took time to heal; unlike the politicians.

How to deal with internet trolling

The definition of an internet troll makes interesting reading. So, who is an internet troll? He or she (assuming that there is a person connected behind; this blog post does not talk of AI (artificial intelligence); that is slated for another blog) promotes arguments via abusive blogs and articles, some of the blogs may contain bigotry, racist comments or spreading false news. The idea is to create a stir and cause distress mentally or financially or both to the victim. The common thread with most trolls is they remain anonymous hiding behind bizarre handles (online identity – internet persona).

Henry N Portner, USPTO tried his best in trying to figure out the identity of the vicious attack on his image and standing in the legal community. He is an expert in Internet Law, Bankruptcy Law, Mergers and Acquisitions among other specialties. As a long standing member and an outstanding legal luminary this 60-year-old man knew that he had enemies but did not expect such an alarming tirade. He was faced with increasing Henry N Portner misconduct false accusations. Within a short time social media showed a similar rant with the different heading of Henry N Portner, reprimand blogs.

Portner has much more experience than normal individuals with Internet fraud cases. However, even he was stumped at the anonymity of the creators. He began his fightback by posting online blogs detailing his career and how a reprimand by the State of Florida Courts happens to one and all. Every student at some time or the other may receive a rap on the knuckles. The trolls used the reprimand issue and questioned Henry N Portner ethics. 

 Henry also appealed to the Consumer Attorneys of America to investigate the false and misleading accusations. During this battle Henry kept his cool and wits about him by going about his business. To cut a long story short although Henry Portner had to face some loss of integrity he has braved the storm and come out unscathed.