Founder of the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Existential Risk and the Future of Life Institute, Jaan Tallinn, has issued a warning regarding the potential dangers of rapidly advancing AI technologies. In an interview with Aljazeera, Tallinn expressed concerns about the increasing utilization of AI by military forces worldwide, which makes it difficult for humanity to control the trajectory of AI and creates an arms race.
Tallinn referred to a short film released in 2017 titled ‘Slaughterbots’, created by the Future of Life Institute, which portrays a chilling scenario of being relentlessly pursued by autonomous killer robots. The film serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of AI development if not properly regulated.
Drawing parallels with the regulation of bioweaponry, Tallinn believes it is not too late to slow the transition of AI into the military. He argued that precautions should be taken to ensure a positive future, especially as soon as there is doubt about humanity’s control over AI.
In his prediction of future warfare, Tallinn envisions the evolution of automated warfare to include swarms of miniaturized drones, which can be easily produced and released by anyone with the financial means to do so. This shift in warfare brings forth a series of ethical concerns and the urgent need for responsible AI development.
The interview with Tallinn, in which he delves into these pressing issues of AI development and its potential consequences, can be viewed on the Aljazeera website. The discussion serves as a wake-up call for society to carefully consider the future implications of advancements in AI technology and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and positive future.
