Some of the top names in technology have called for a halt to the development of training systems more sophisticated than OpenAI’s recently released GPT-4 model. Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Emad Mostaque, CEO of Stability AI, are among the 1,344 signatories of an open letter requesting a halt to large-scale AI trials.
The letter urges all AI laboratories to immediately halt the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for at least six months, noting the potential of producing nonhuman minds that might one day outwit humans. It was also stated that AI laboratories have been entangled in an “out-of-control” rush to create “ever more powerful digital brains” that cannot be comprehended or controlled by their creators.
Elon Musk and other tech titans want to halt training systems more powerful than OpenAI’s GPT-4.
The open letter placed on the website of the non-profit Future of Life Institute states, “Modern AI systems are now becoming competitive with humans in general activities.” “Shall we create alien brains that may one day outnumber, outwit, supplant, and replace us? Do we take the chance of losing control of our civilization?”
“We call on all AI labs to immediately halt for at least six months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4,” the letter reads, which comes just two weeks after OpenAI’s announcement. The letter adds that safety protocols should be developed, implemented, and audited by independent experts. Closer to home, the CEO of Zoho, Sridhar Vembu, stated that he was considering signing the letter.