US authorities on alert: Artificial intelligence threat to humanity

2024-03-13 15:51:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The US State Department worries about catastrophic national security risks from the development of artificial intelligence, according to a new report.

The findings are based on interviews with over 200 experts in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, cyber security and weapons of mass destruction.

The report released by Gladstone AI warns that at worst, Artificial Intelligence could pose threats beyond the level of human extinction.

This situation highlights the need for urgent actions to prevent future risks even though experts or businessmen continue to invest in the advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

"The rise of AI and AGI [artificial general intelligence] has the potential to destabilize global security in ways reminiscent of the introduction of nuclear weapons, adding that there is a risk of an "AI arms race, conflict and "fatal accidents on the scale of WMD . The Gladstone AI report calls for dramatic new steps aimed at tackling this threat, including the launch of a new AI agency, the introduction of "emergency" regulatory safeguards and limits on how much computing power can be used to train models of AI. There is a clear and urgent need for the US government to intervene," the authors write in the report.

The clear and urgent need to intervene

Researchers warn of the threat of AI. The report highlights the need for urgent intervention to address potential risks. Advanced AI systems and lost control are major points of concern, suggesting a potential extinction risk to global security. The report calls for dramatic new steps to deal with this threat, including the creation of a new AI agency and the establishment of emergency regulatory safeguards.

Security concerns

Security risks from AI worry experts and industry leaders. Major AI companies and tech leaders have expressed their concerns about potential security and national security risks. Competitive pressures are pushing AI development at the expense of security, raising fears of using advanced artificial intelligence systems against the United States.

At a time when industry leaders and academics are warning about the existential dangers of AI, more and more business CEOs are worried about this situation, even as they continue to invest billions of dollars in this technology. Statements and warnings from key industry and academic figures show that the need to address AI risk is a global priority.

Human-like ability to learn

Concerns about the risks of AI experts and industry workers express fears of irreversible global consequences. Several prominent individuals, including Elon Musk and Lina Khan, have warned of the existential danger of AI, including its ability to 'break democracy'. In the absence of agreement on the timelines for achieving AGI, the development of policies and safeguards is difficult, risking harm if technology evolves more slowly than expected.

How AI can turn against humans

AI can pose great risks to humans in a number of ways. Artificial intelligence systems can be used to carry out high-impact cyberattacks, damaging critical infrastructure and causing major disruptions. At the same time, weaponized robotic applications and psychological manipulation can cause large-scale escalation of conflict and social instability. . In addition, AI can be used for mass disinformation campaigns, undermining trust in institutions and disrupting society./CNA