An unprecedented coalition of over 800 prominent figures—including AI pioneers, business leaders, and political personalities—has issued a public statement urging a global ban on the development of "superintelligence." This hypothetical form of AI would surpass human cognitive abilities across all domains. The petition, organized by the Future of Life Institute, emphasizes the necessity of achieving broad scientific consensus and strong public support before pursuing such advanced AI systems.
Signatories of the petition include renowned AI researchers Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Virgin founder Richard Branson, and political figures such as former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen. The diverse group underscores the widespread concern regarding the potential risks associated with superintelligent AI. =
The statement highlights several key concerns, including the potential for economic obsolescence, loss of control over AI systems, and even existential threats to humanity. It calls for a prohibition on the development of superintelligence until it can be demonstrated to be safe, controllable, and aligned with public interests.
This initiative reflects a growing consensus among experts and public figures about the need for caution in the advancement of AI technologies. As AI systems become increasingly powerful, the call for regulation and oversight becomes more urgent to ensure that their development aligns with societal values and safety standards.
