The latest endeavor from OpenAI has something of a secret agent ring to it. Imagine a secret team, code-named "Preparedness," working diligently behind the scenes, their mission: to save the world from AI catastrophe. And if the idea of an AI company being worried about the potential disasters caused by AI doesn't give you the sweats, then you need to sit and have a think.
Yes, you read that right. The third most valuable startup in the world, OpenAI is so serious about the potential risks around AI that it has conjured up this covert squad, and they're ready to tackle anything from rogue AI attempting to trick gullible humans (deepfakes, anyone?) to the stuff of sci-fi thrillers including “chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear” threats. Yep. Nuclear.
Prepare for Anything
The mastermind behind Preparedness, Aleksander Madry, hails from MIT’s Center for Deployable Machine Learning . He’s like a real life John Connor, albeit without Arnie. OpenAI's Sam Altman, known for his AI doomsday prophecies, doesn't mess around when it comes to the existential threats AI might pose. While he's not in the business of fighting cyborgs with his cigar smoking friend, he's certainly ready to tackle the darker side of AI.
A Contest with Consequences
In their quest for vigilance, OpenAI's offering a whopping $25,000 prize and a seat at the Preparedness table for the ten brightest submissions from the AI community. They're looking for ingenious yet plausible scenarios of AI misuse that could spell catastrophe. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: save the world from AI mayhem.
Undercover Work in the AI Safety Realm
Preparedness isn't your typical band of heroes. Their role extends beyond facing villains. They'll also craft an AI safety bible, covering the ABCs of risk management and prevention. OpenAI knows that the tech they're cooking up can be a double-edged sword, so they're putting their resources to work to make sure it stays on the right side.
Ready for Anything
The unveiling of Preparedness at a U.K. government AI safety summit is no coincidence. It's OpenAI's bold declaration that they're taking AI risks to heart, as they prepare for a future where AI could be the answer to everything, or a serious problem.
