The Register: OpenAI loses another senior figure, disperses safety research team he led

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/25/open_ai_readiness_advisor_leaves/
Source: The Register
Title: OpenAI loses another senior figure, disperses safety research team he led

Feedly Summary: Artificial General Intelligence readiness advisor Miles Brundage bails, because nobody is ready
OpenAI has lost another senior staffer, and on his way out the door this one warned the company – and all other AI shops – are just not ready for artificial general intelligence.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

**Summary:** Miles Brundage, a senior advisor for AGI readiness at OpenAI, has departed, raising concerns about the readiness of companies and the world for artificial general intelligence (AGI). His exit highlights significant gaps in AGI preparation and calls for urgent policy discussions on AI safety, collaboration, and the societal implications of automated futures.

**Detailed Description:**
The departure of Miles Brundage from OpenAI has drawn attention to the company’s (and the broader AI field’s) preparedness for the advent of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Brundage has expressed that neither OpenAI nor other major AI laboratories are currently ready for AGI, highlighting important considerations for security experts and policymakers regarding AI advancement.

– **Brundage’s Concerns:**
– He states that both OpenAI and other leading AI labs have “gaps” in readiness for AGI.
– He emphasizes the need for robust public debate about the safety and equitable distribution of AGI’s benefits.
– Brundage believes that AI policy ideas are lacking and that many currently proposed ideas may not suffice.

– **Recommendations for Policymakers:**
– Urgent action is necessary for effective AI policymaking to address rapidly advancing AI capabilities.
– Collaboration between governments, non-profits, and industries is essential to ensure that AI development is perceived positively and does not incite fears amongst countries, especially concerning regime stability.

– **Implications of AI on Society:**
– Brundage raises a thought-provoking point about the potential for AI advancements to lead to a “post-work” society, where labor may not be obligatory.
– He cautions that there is inadequate preparation for such a shift, which could result in civilizational stagnation if not carefully managed.
– He foresees a transitional phase where AI could disrupt job opportunities, particularly impacting individuals reliant on work for their livelihood.

– **Future Considerations:**
– There is a call for comprehensive policy discussions to prepare for a future influenced by AGI and AI’s broader economic impact.
– As the demand for AI researchers and solutions continues to grow, the gaps in preparation may need immediate addressing, particularly concerning safety protocols and governance.

Brundage’s insights underline the critical intersection of AI development, societal transformation, and the urgent need for informed governance in the context of these significant technological advancements.