TLDR:
- A group of protesters gathered outside the OpenAI office to demonstrate against the company’s development of artificial intelligence (AI)
- The protesters are calling for a halt to the development of AI that could lead to machines surpassing human intelligence (AGI) and are opposing any military affiliations
- The demonstration was organized in response to OpenAI changing its usage policy to allow for military use of AI
- The protest highlights growing concerns about the ethical implications of AI development and the potential consequences of AGI
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the OpenAI office to rally against the company’s development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to surpass human intelligence. The demonstration was organized by two groups, Pause AI and No AGI, who are urging OpenAI engineers to quit their work on advanced AI systems, such as the chatbot ChatGPT. The protesters are calling for a halt to the development of AI that could lead to the creation of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and are opposing any further military affiliations.
The demonstration was partly organized in response to OpenAI’s decision to remove language from its usage policy that previously prohibited the use of AI for military purposes. OpenAI later announced that it had taken on the Pentagon as a client, further fueling the protesters’ concerns.
Both Pause AI and No AGI share the common goal of halting AGI development, but their approaches differ. Pause AI is open to the idea of AGI if it can be developed safely, while No AGI staunchly opposes AGI creation, emphasizing the potential psychological threats and loss of meaning in human lives.
The protest reflects growing public concern about the ethical implications of AI and the militarization of AI. The fear is not just about job loss or the autonomy of warfare but about the fundamental alteration of power dynamics and decision-making in society. Protesters argue that if AGI is developed, it could result in a future where machines do everything for everyone, eliminating the need for jobs and impacting people’s sense of meaning derived from work.
Both protest groups are calling for external regulation and greater transparency from OpenAI. They argue that the company’s frequent policy changes and disregard for promises undermine trust and highlight the need for oversight.
This protest is likely to be just the beginning, as both Pause AI and No AGI indicate that they plan to continue their advocacy efforts. Those concerned about AI risk can get involved through their websites and social media platforms.