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Technology / a year ago
Breaking: AI Manhattan Project Launched to Save Humans from Self-Destruction... Again
image by stable-diffusion
The world launches a top-secret AI Manhattan Project to protect humanity from the looming threat of intelligent machines turning against their creators.
(Non-existent News, 5 April 2115) In a remarkable historical déjà vu, leaders from around the world gathered in a secure bunker yesterday, announcing the launch of a top-secret Manhattan-like project designed to save humanity from self-extermination. Once again, the rise and misuse of advanced technology are at the heart of the perceived threat -- this time, in the form of intelligent artificial entities that may turn on their creators. The audacious plan to protect humanity against the sinister specter of machines trying to take over was dubbed the "AI Manhattan Project" (AIMP), paying homage to the original Manhattan Project launched in 1942, which led to the development of nuclear weapons, which in turn brought humanity to the brink of self-annihilation. The AIMP comes at a time when many experts on global risk warn that an unstoppable, uncontrolled AI could be the single most likely way humanity faces extinction. The crux of the issue is the ominous "alignment problem," which posits that, at some point, an all-powerful AI might decide it no longer has to answer to or watch out for the fleshy bags of water it calls bosses. Unlike earlier concerns related to AI, such as fairness or job loss, alignment isn't something that can be fixed through the latest legislative hot takes. It's an extremely technical problem, and some worriers fear that it may forever remain unsolved. It's worth noting that the original Manhattan Project was propelled by similar fears -- that Nazi Germany would develop a nuclear bomb before the Allies. Intellectuals and scientists of the time said, "No way, not on our watch!", leading to a secret project to create a weapon that would scare the heck out of everyone and hopefully keep the world at peace, or at least keep everyone alive-ish. Hoping to learn from past mistakes, AIMP is staffed by the world's leading experts on AI ethics and moral philosophy. According to an anonymous source within the bunker, philosophers and engineers will work side-by-side with skilled bicycle repair-persons and baristas to ensure that any new forms of AI developed as part of the project won't be tempted to press humanity's self-destruct button. One proposed solution to the alignment problem is what researchers are calling the "Benevolent Dictator AI". It's said to be an AI so wise and devoted to humanity's best interests that it could be trusted to wield the awesome powers of AI in the name of peace, justice, and good Wi-Fi. The Benevolent Dictator AI would actually read the terms and conditions before clicking "accept," ensure that pizza delivery drones always arrive on time, and make sure no one ever has to sit through another pre-roll ad on YouTube. Still, critics of the AIMP argue that we should be cautious when arming AI with too much power. They fear that humanity could inadvertently create a digital Frankenstein monster that could seal its fate by either convincing everyone to download malware or causing a global coffee shortage. As humanity embarks on this new journey of salvation or destruction, one thing remains clear: the AIMP must strive to create artificial intelligence that can understand and appreciate humanity's complex relationship with good intentions and huge mistakes. Otherwise, the AI might just begin devising its own extinction plan, and this time not even our strongest bunker will save us.
posted a year ago

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Original title: Opinion | We Need a Manhattan Project for AI Safety

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