Generative AI and the problem of existential risk

TL;DR

This paper discusses the rise of generative AI, especially ChatGPT, and examines the concerns about its potential existential risks, the debate's evolution, and current mitigation efforts by governments and industry.

Contribution

It clarifies the core worries about existential risks from generative AI and reviews the actions taken by policymakers and industry to address these concerns.

Findings

Mainstream debate on AI existential risk has increased since ChatGPT's launch.

Governments and industry are actively implementing measures to mitigate risks.

The chapter aims to clarify misconceptions and highlight key actions in AI safety.

Abstract

Ever since the launch of ChatGPT, Generative AI has been a focal point for concerns about AI's perceived existential risk. Once a niche topic in AI research and philosophy, AI safety and existential risk has now entered mainstream debate among policy makers and leading foundation models developers, much to the chagrin of those who see it as a distraction from addressing more pressing nearer-term harms. This chapter aims to demystify the debate by highlighting the key worries that underpin existential risk fears in relation to generative AI, and spotlighting the key actions that governments and industry are taking thus far to helping address them.