Open letter warns about AI — and it should apply to crypto too

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As a crypto investor who has experienced firsthand the lack of transparency and regulatory oversight in the industry, I can’t help but draw parallels to the current state of affairs in artificial intelligence. The anonymous open letter from former OpenAI employees expressing their concerns about AI exacerbating inequalities, fueling misinformation, and leading to uncontrollable systems is a chilling reminder of the potential dangers that lie ahead.

The rapid advancement and intricate nature of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies pose significant challenges for regulation due to their fast-paced development. However, concerns are rising as those with insider information may be facing silence or suppression.

Another week, and another warning about artificial intelligence.

This open letter, which raises concerns about the possible worsening of disparities, spreading of false information, and creation of unmanageable artificial intelligence systems with potentially catastrophic consequences for humanity, resonated strongly.

Four present-day signatories are employed by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, while an additional six have previously worked there.

As an analyst studying the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), I’ve noticed a concerning trend among key figures in the field. Although they are optimistic about the potential advantages AI could bring to mankind, they express apprehension regarding public understanding and regulatory oversight. These individuals believe that while the benefits may indeed be unprecedented, the full scope of the situation is not being fully comprehended by the general population and governing bodies.

As a researcher studying the role of AI companies in our society, I’ve come across valuable insights about their systems’ capabilities, limitations, protective measures, and potential risks. However, much of this information remains undisclosed to both governments and civil society. While these companies may have some reporting obligations towards authorities, there seems to be a lack of transparency when it comes to sharing critical information with the public. Based on current trends, I’m skeptical that they will voluntarily share this information without pressure or regulation.

Right to Warn

The similarities between artificial intelligence (AI) and the crypto sector are quite pronounced. Both fields are characterized by rapid advancements and intricate complexities, posing significant challenges for governments and regulatory bodies. For instance, many politicians grapple with grasping the fundamentals of these domains. A notable example is U.S. Representative Brad Sherman, who infamously misidentified Bitcoin‘s creator as “Satoshi Nagamoto” instead of the decentralized nature of the cryptocurrency.

“I don’t believe Saratoshi Nagamoto was innovative.”#Bitcoin could care less.

— Guti ₿ 🇺🇸 🇵🇪 (@guti_uno) July 27, 2023

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed the challenge of creating clear-cut regulations that foster innovation among honest players while discouraging illicit activities from malicious actors. The rapidly evolving nature of this industry makes it difficult for laws to keep pace with technological advancements. By the time regulatory bodies have caught up, the landscape has often shifted, rendering existing legislation obsolete and ineffective in addressing current risks. It’s alarming that, despite Bitcoin’s launch over 15 years ago, there remains significant regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies in the U.S.

According to the open letter penned by AI experts, the absence of robust government regulation leaves corporations heavily reliant on internal whistleblowers for accountability. A major worry expressed by the authors revolves around how these confidentiality agreements suppress whistleblowers’ ability to disclose important information publicly.

“Standard whistleblower safeguards fall short since they primarily address unlawful actions. However, there are numerous risks we’re worried about that aren’t regulated yet. Some of us have valid concerns regarding potential reprisals.”

Right to Warn

Symmetry between artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies is evident once more, as demonstrated in the extensive investigation into the collapse of FTX in 2022. This probe, led by an independent examiner, unveiled that six anonymous tipsters with valid grievances were rewarded with $25 million collectively. One individual was instructed to retract their accusations against the now-imprisoned CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and eventually reached a settlement of $16 million upon leaving their position.

As a crypto investor, I’ve witnessed the significant progress made by the industry in overcoming past setbacks, such as the bankruptcies of BlockFi, Voyager, and Celsius. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that more work is needed to ensure a robust and trustworthy ecosystem. The four commitments outlined in this open letter are particularly relevant to the digital assets sector as we continue our collective efforts towards transparency, accountability, and resilience.

Artificial intelligence companies with significant influence in the industry are urged to relax their policies preventing criticisms from their employees, especially those expressing concerns about potential risks. A confidential reporting system should be established to enable employees to voice their worries to boards, regulatory bodies, and external experts. The implementation of such measures could have prevented some major controversies within the crypto community.

As a committed crypto investor and advocate for transparency in the AI sector, I strongly believe in fostering an environment where constructive criticism is not only welcomed but encouraged. Furthermore, I pledge that as a leader in this field, I will refrain from retaliating against employees who feel compelled to disclose confidential information, after exhausting all other viable options for resolving their concerns.

The impact of this open letter on regulating AI remains uncertain. On the other hand, blockchain’s inherent transparency has merit since it allows real-time monitoring of transactions and funds flow. In contrast, large language models, often developed in secrecy, lack the same level of transparency.

The repercussions of inaction are just as severe in both crypto and AI industries, posing significant risks to everyday consumers. Ineffective communication of risks has resulted in devastating losses for many crypto investors, with the absence of united regulatory action allowing rogue players to operate without restraint. Moreover, the increasing sophistication of AI technology could soon threaten the jobs of millions, as human labor becomes increasingly obsolete.

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2024-06-06 23:36