Vitalik Buterin Concerns on Emerging AI Tech, Brings Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology witnesses pushbacks similar to the innovations that took place in the past and later became an essential part of human lives. A wider majority looks at AI tech as threatening to their daily chores, and jobs, and some even think of it as a threat to existence. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently put his opinion on AI forward where he paints the gloomy picture of what the tech can do but possible solutions to overturn the potential destruction. 

In a very long blog post published on November 27, 2023, Buterin talked about his “techno-optimism.” The developer stated that the advanced artificial intelligence models should not be left unchecked. Or else, there is a “serious chance” that the AI tech will leave humans behind to become the “apex species.”

Vitalik Buterin Highlights Existential Threat of Superintelligent AI 

Buterin is among the most influential people across the crypto and blockchain tech space. He holds a significant hold over the technologies and his thoughts are worth listening to. 

He highlighted the distinct risks associated with superintelligent artificial intelligence (AI) could possess in the future. The unprecedented challenge posed by AI includes its potential to develop a novel form of intelligence that could surpass human capabilities.

According to Buterin, AI could possibly become the predominant species on Earth. It can beat human intelligence and potentially perceive humans as a threat. There are a number of threats to human lives including climate change or nuclear war, and several others, but AI is different when it comes to existential threats. An uncontrolled superintelligent AI could lead to human extinction across the world without survivors.

To mitigate these risks, Buterin suggested the implementation of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) as a protective measure against unintended consequences resulting from powerful AI. BCIs act as communication pathways between the brain’s electrical activity and external devices like computers or robotic limbs. 

Through BCIs, the communication duration between humans and AI could be dramatically reduced, providing humans with enhanced control and maintaining a degree of “meaningful agency” over AI-based computation and cognition.

Human Involvement Through BCI Can Overturn Disaster

Buterin argued that incorporating humans into each decision-making process of AI through BCIs creates a more secure environment. This approach minimizes the likelihood of AI making decisions misaligned with human values and avoids entirely offloading high-level planning responsibility to the AI.

Additionally, Buterin stressed the significance of “active human intention” in guiding AI development. He posited that a profit-maximizing approach may not consistently align with humanity’s best interests. Thus, intentional human involvement is crucial to directing AI development in a manner that benefits society.

Buterin’s reflections serve as a timely reminder of the ethical considerations and potential risks accompanying the advancement of superintelligent AI. The integration of BCIs emerges as a promising strategy to balance the advantages of AI while maintaining human control to avert unintended and potentially catastrophic consequences.

The wild race for developing a more powerful AI model has begun after the widespread reach of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Many tech frontrunner companies have their active participation in the development of AI models better than others. This possibly leads to the creation of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a potentially more advanced form of AI technology which is conceived as equally threatening. 

The recent ouster of Sam Altman from OpenAI was rumored to come in the wake of the company’s notable success in developing an AGI model which he might have hidden from the board. 

Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.