For the first time in history, a computer has been able to convince people into believing that it is a human being, becoming the inaugural machine to ever pass what is known as the ‘Turing Test’.

What Has Happened?

On the 60^th anniversary of Alan Turing’s death, a computer developed by Russian Vladimir Veselov and Ukrainian Eugene Demchenko managed to dupe 33% of a judging panel into thinking that it was a 13 year old boy. Five computers were tested at the central London based Royal Society at the same time, but only this computer, posing as a 13 year old named ‘Eugene Goostman’, was able to pass the Turing Test successfully.

What is the Turing Test?

The Turing Test is the benchmark for a machine to pass before it can be dubbed as having the capacity for ‘thought’. Introduced in 1950, the test can only be passed if a computer successfully navigates a series of 5 minute text or keyboard conversations to the extent that 30% of users are convinced of its humanity.

What Does This Mean?

Quite simply, this is a genuine milestone in the field of artificial intelligence, as no machine has ever stood up to the rigors of the Turing Test before. According to an article on The Telegraph, the implications of a computer with such advanced intelligence will serve as a warning with regards to possibility of cyber-crime; too many people are complacent in this area, so the success of the ‘Eugene Goostmann’ computer should serve as a real wake-up call.

Clearly, this is a historic moment within the field of computers, representing some of the most advanced ‘behaviour’ ever shown by such a machine. However, as mentioned, there are negative implications that are now being feared as a result of this situation as well as more positive thoughts. The Guardian recently stated that far too many firms were lax when it came to preventing cyber-crime, and even large businesses like eBay have found themselves caught out in the last few weeks. As such, the fact that a computer has been able to hoodwink a panel of judges is not universally welcome.

Obviously, the need to keep your business IT safe and secure currently means dealing with far less impressive technology that the machine that has passed the Turing Test, but there is a need to be vigilant nonetheless. Here at Tristar IT, we are a specialist provider of IT support contracts in London and the surrounding areas, and part of our service involves monitoring your systems and ensuring that each and every issue is resolved. We can help refine your business IT in many ways, and you’ll always receive the very best customer service whenever you come to us.

To find out more, please contact us by calling 01707 378453 or emailing sales@tristarsupport.co.uk. We’ll only be too pleased to discuss your individual requirements.