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The Future of AI: Two Visions, One Concern
Two of the tech world’s most influential voices have offered contrasting visions of artificial intelligence development, highlighting the growing tension between innovation and safety.
OpenAI’s Ambitious Plans for AGI
CEO Sam Altman recently revealed in a blog post that OpenAI has tripled its user base to over 300 million weekly active users as it races toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). Altman claims that in 2025, AI agents could “join the workforce” and “materially change the output of companies.”
Altman believes that OpenAI is on the path to creating more than just AI agents and AGI, stating that the company is beginning to work on “superintelligence in the true sense of the word.” However, a timeframe for the delivery of AGI or superintelligence is unclear. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Vitalik Buterin’s Proposal for AI Safety
Hours earlier, Ethereum co-creator Vitalik Buterin proposed using blockchain technology to create global failsafe mechanisms for advanced AI systems, including a “soft pause” capability that could temporarily restrict industrial-scale AI operations if warning signs emerge.
Buterin’s proposal is based on his concept of “d/acc,” or decentralized/defensive acceleration, which prioritizes technological progress while enhancing safety and human agency. Unlike “effective accelerationism,” which takes a “growth at any cost” approach, d/acc focuses on building defensive capabilities first.
Decentralized/Defensive Acceleration
d/acc is an extension of the underlying values of crypto (decentralization, censorship resistance, open global economy, and society) to other areas of technology, wrote Buterin. He believes that a more cautious approach toward AGI and superintelligent systems could be implemented using existing crypto mechanisms, such as zero-knowledge proofs.
Under Buterin’s proposal, major AI computers would need weekly approval from three international groups to keep running. The system would work like a master switch, where either all approved computers run or none do, preventing anyone from making selective enforcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is OpenAI’s plan for AGI?
A: OpenAI aims to create AGI, which could join the workforce and change the output of companies, according to CEO Sam Altman.
Q: What is Vitalik Buterin’s proposal for AI safety?
A: Buterin proposes using blockchain technology to create global failsafe mechanisms for advanced AI systems, including a "soft pause" capability.
Q: What is d/acc?
A: d/acc is a concept proposed by Vitalik Buterin, which prioritizes technological progress while enhancing safety and human agency.
Q: How does d/acc differ from effective accelerationism?
A: d/acc focuses on building defensive capabilities first, whereas effective accelerationism takes a "growth at any cost" approach.
Q: What is the goal of Buterin’s proposal?
A: Buterin’s proposal aims to create a global system for controlling advanced AI systems, ensuring safety and preventing catastrophic scenarios.
Conclusion:
The future of AI is an increasingly pressing concern, with two visions emerging from two influential voices in the tech world. While OpenAI is racing toward AGI, Vitalik Buterin is proposing a more cautious approach to ensure AI safety. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of AI development, ensuring that the technology is used responsibly and ethically.
