UPDATE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just added their names to a crucial petition against the development of artificial superintelligence, a technology that poses significant risks to humanity. The petition, launched by the Future of Life Institute, now boasts over 1,075 signers, including notable figures such as Nobel laureates, scientists, and tech leaders.
The petition calls for an urgent prohibition on the development of superintelligence, citing alarming concerns over human economic obsolescence, civil liberties, and potential existential threats. As AI technology rapidly evolves, experts warn that the race toward superintelligence could lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.
The statement emphasizes the need for a collective understanding among the public and experts alike: “Many leading AI companies aim to build superintelligence within the next decade, significantly outperforming humans in cognitive tasks.” This alarming trend highlights the necessity for governments and tech firms to take immediate action.
Leading voices in the petition include renowned figures such as Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “godfather of AI,” and Yoshua Bengio, both of whom have expressed deep concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Other prominent signers include Steve Wozniak, former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and musician Will.I.am.
The urgency of this petition comes on the heels of alarming statements from tech leaders. In June, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans for “personal superintelligence” and indicated that the development of superintelligence is “now in sight.” This has intensified fears among experts that the pace of AI advancement is outstripping public understanding and control.
Anthony Aguirre, a physicist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, underscored the need for broader public discourse on this critical issue. “We’ve had this path chosen for us by AI companies, but no one has really asked, ‘Is this what we want?'” Aguirre stated in a recent NBC interview. “We have many choices in how we develop technologies, and this issue affects all of humanity.”
The petition seeks to serve as a social permission for open dialogue about the implications of superintelligence. As signers from diverse fields unite, the movement aims to highlight that this is not merely a niche concern but a pressing issue for all of society.
With the rapid advancements in AI technology, it is crucial for individuals worldwide to engage in this conversation. The implications of unchecked AI development could reshape the future of human existence, and voices like Harry and Meghan’s add much-needed momentum to this urgent cause.
As this story develops, more individuals and organizations are expected to join the petition, amplifying the call for a global conversation about the future of artificial intelligence. Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue that could affect generations to come.
