Democratic societies are grappling with formidable hurdles in confronting AI's ethical and social implications, as per a news article published in the Conversation. The swift rise of AI technologies is outstripping societies' capacity to deal with the ethical, regulatory, and social aspects tied to their utilisation. A lack of public involvement is impeding efforts to foresee and mitigate unintended consequences.

The article underscores the vital role of broad public engagement in shaping AI's future, drawing parallels with the Asilomar Conference of 50 years ago, where decisions on recombinant DNA research lacked significant public participation. It argues that involving a wider array of stakeholders would have led to a more balanced discourse on the technology's costs, accessibility, and ethics. Limited engagement can lead to blind spots and unanticipated repercussions that may elude tech leaders and policymakers. Even AI experts are concerned about society's readiness to adopt AI technologies responsibly. A survey reveals that most AI researchers anticipate unintended consequences and believe that society is ill-prepared for the potential impacts of AI applications.

In conclusion, it is imperative to swiftly implement effective regulations and foster open, inclusive discussions. AI is on the brink of causing more disruption in society, and there is a finite timeframe for addressing these issues through responsible guidelines and rules. Key priorities include rebuilding trust in both government and industry, giving due importance to public input, and preventing the overwhelming impact of AI from ensuring its responsible and beneficial integration into our society.