A group of AI ethicists have responded to a letter calling for a six-month pause on AI development in order to avoid hypothetical future threats such as the loss of control of civilization. The counterpoint argues that the real threat lies with the misuse of AI today, citing examples of worker exploitation, data theft, and synthetic media that reinforces existing power structures. The group emphasizes the need for transparent regulation that holds companies accountable for the outputs produced by their products, focusing on the exploitative practices of corporations who are centralizing power and increasing social inequities. The open letter, signed by thousands of people including Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk, was proposed by the Future of Life institute. The group responding to it includes high-profile figures in AI and ethics, who have previously been pushed out of Google over a paper criticizing the abilities of AI.
Ethicists reject ‘AI Pause’ letter, stating it overlooks existing harms caused by AI technology.
