Microsoft President Brad Smith Has This To Say About ‘Super-Intelligent’ AI – News18

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily making its mark on the world, representing the computer’s capacity to replicate human intelligence. OpenAI, a prominent player in the AI landscape, has been at the forefront of utilizing AI for technological advancements, notably with their creation, of ChatGPT, a preferred chatbot for providing solutions. Recently, OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, came under the spotlight when Altman was reportedly dismissed from the company.

Despite initial reports citing unclear communication about his work, it emerged that Altman was actively involved in the development of super-intelligent artificial intelligence. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, has weighed in on this matter. Brad Smith, the President of Microsoft, stated in an interview that the probability of achieving super-intelligent artificial intelligence, also known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), within the next 12 months is highly unlikely. He asserted that realizing AGI would likely take at least a decade.

Addressing concerns around the development of AGI, Smith emphasized the need to prioritise security in the current phase of AI evolution. Acknowledging Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI, he stressed the importance of incorporating safety features into AI systems, likening them to the safety brakes found in elevators, circuit breakers for electricity, or safety brakes for buses. Such safety measures are essential to ensure that critical infrastructure remains under human control and prevents unintended consequences.

Contrary to earlier reports, it was revealed that Sam Altman has returned to his role as CEO at OpenAI. Regarding Altman’s dismissal, Smith clarified that differences of opinion between the board and other stakeholders, rather than solely concerns about AGI development, were the primary reasons for the decision.

Regarding AI security, Smith highlighted the necessity of implementing safety brakes within AI systems. This precautionary approach aims to enable control over critical infrastructure and ensures that AI functions remain within the bounds of human oversight. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the focus on safety measures becomes increasingly pivotal.

Internal reports have surfaced suggesting that Altman had been engaged in an internal project named Q-Star (Q*). This project is purportedly a significant step towards achieving artificial general intelligence, a prospect that raises concerns about the potential impact on humanity due to AGI’s capacity to perform tasks equivalent to those of humans.