Bengio Launches LawZero AI Safety Lab
Renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a non-profit dedicated to building safer artificial intelligence systems. The initiative secured a substantial $30 million in funding from prominent figures and organizations within the tech industry and philanthropy sector, including contributions from Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Open Philanthropy, and the Future of Life Institute.
A Focus on Safety
LawZero's name is inspired by the concept of the Zeroth Law of Robotics, prioritizing humanity's protection above all else. This underscores the lab's primary goal: mitigating the potential risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies. Bengio, a leading voice in the AI safety movement, has expressed concerns about the current trajectory of AI development, particularly regarding the prioritization of safety by major tech companies.
Concerns about Industry Practices
Bengio's decision to establish a separate non-profit reflects a perceived lack of sufficient focus on AI safety within large corporations. His skepticism towards the safety measures implemented by companies like OpenAI and Google highlights the urgency he feels regarding the potential dangers of uncontrolled AI development. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing these concerns and promoting responsible AI innovation.
Source: TechCrunch