30 May 2023 , 13:25
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Artificial intelligence could wipe out the entire human race, according to senior technology experts.
Tech and key science experts have expressed their concerns over AI and the future of humanity in a statement published on the Centre for AI safety.
The signed letter argues that "mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war."
An introductory message published on the Centre for AI Safety website said it hopes to "open up discussion" on the subject.
"AI experts, journalists, policymakers, and the public are increasingly discussing a broad spectrum of important and urgent risks from AI," it reads.
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"Even so, it can be difficult to voice concerns about some of advanced AI’s most severe risks.
ChatGPT is a popular AI tool, but its use is controversial. OpenAI CEO Samuel Altman signed the letter (AFP via Getty Images)"The succinct statement [below] aims to overcome this obstacle and open up discussion.
"It is also meant to create common knowledge of the growing number of experts and public figures who also take some of advanced AI’s most severe risks seriously."
Signatories include Sam Altman, the CEO of Open AI, responsible for developing ChatGPT and Google Deepmind CEO Demis Hassabis.
The BBC reported that Princeton University computer scientist Arvind Narayanan believes the concerns over AI are "unrealistic."
He said: "Current AI is nowhere near capable enough for these risks to materialise.
"As a result, it's distracted attention away from the near-term harms of AI."
(WireImage)Also on the list of signatories is musician Grimes, the former partner of Twitter billionaire Elon Musk.
Earlier this year, Mr Musk was among the signatories to a letter calling for a pause in the development of AI research.
The open letter by the Future of Life Institute said: "AI labs and independent experts should use this pause to jointly develop and implement a set of shared safety protocols for advanced AI design and development that are rigorously audited and overseen by independent outside experts."
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Hundreds of experts signed the letter (NurPhoto via Getty Images)Some experts cited in the letter expressed concerns about its contents and the use of their research to call for a pause.
Other tech experts have said a pause, which signatories hope will lead to better regulation of AI use, may lead to bad actors taking advantage of the lack of development.
The British Computer Society (BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT) said in a new report, 'Helping AI Grow Up - Without Pressing Pause', said there should be a "light touch" approach to AI
Chief executive Rashik Parmar told Sky News: "We can't be certain every country and company with the power to develop AI would obey a pause, when the rewards for breaking an embargo are so rich."