An open letter signed by over 700 celebrities, AI scientists, faith leaders, and policymakers was released calling for a prohibition on the development of superintelligent AI. Among the signatories are notable figures such as five Nobel laureates, two “Godfathers of AI,” Steve Wozniak of Apple, Steve Bannon, an ally of President Trump, and even Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The letter states that superintelligence should not be developed until there is broad scientific consensus that it can be done safely and controllably, with strong public support.
The Future of Life Institute, a nonprofit organization, coordinated and published the open letter. In 2023, the institute released a similar letter calling for a six-month pause on the development of powerful AI systems, which did not achieve its intended goal. The new campaign focuses specifically on superintelligence, defined as a system that can outperform humans in all useful tasks, as organizers believe this technology could be a reality within one to two years. Anthony Aguirre, the FLI’s executive director, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that widespread societal awareness is necessary to prevent AI companies from advancing towards superintelligence.
The open letter release was accompanied by polling data showing that 64% of Americans believe superintelligence should not be developed until it is proven safe and controllable, with only 5% supporting immediate development. Aguirre highlights the discrepancy between the desires of a small number of wealthy companies driving AI development and the broader public’s preference for a different approach. The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote dialogue on the potential risks associated with superintelligent AI.
Celebrities such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Forest Whitaker are also among the signatories of the open letter, reflecting a diverse group of individuals from various sectors in support of regulating superintelligence development. The letter’s call for a prohibition on superintelligence until safety and controllability are assured underscores the growing concerns surrounding AI technology’s rapid advancement. The FLI’s effort to engage the public in discussions about the ethical implications of superintelligent AI reflects a broader movement towards responsible AI development and governance.
The open letter’s emphasis on the need for scientific consensus, public support, and safety measures before pursuing superintelligent AI aligns with broader discussions in the tech community about responsible AI development. As technological advancements continue to accelerate, the debate around regulating AI systems becomes increasingly urgent. By bringing together a diverse group of voices in support of regulating superintelligence development, the open letter signals a growing awareness of the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with AI technology.
