Over 2,600 tech leaders and researchers have signed an open letter, calling for a temporary halt to artificial intelligence (AI) development due to the “profound risks to society and humanity.” The letter was published by the Future of Life Institute on March 22, and signatories include Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, as well as a host of AI CEOs, CTOs, and researchers. They are concerned that advanced AI could pose significant risks to humanity and society, with potentially uncontrollable, out-of-control development.
The letter also raises concerns that AI could flood information channels with propaganda and untruth, potentially automating away all employment opportunities, and even become an existential threat by developing nonhuman minds. While some AI pundits have disagreed, stating that research and development should be slowed down for things like bioweapons and nuclear development, the Future of Life Institute has argued that governments should get involved with a moratorium on AI development.
