AI Steve...

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Here are the top 3 stories in AI…

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Pope Francis addresses G7 leaders on AI concerns

Pope Francis made history Friday as the first pontiff to speak at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Fasano, Italy, where he expressed both his hopes and concerns about artificial intelligence.

Why it matters: The Pope has consistently called for caution with AI, describing it as "a fascinating tool and also a terrifying one." During his speech, he highlighted AI's potential benefits in medicine, labor, culture, communications, education, and politics while warning about its risks.

• Potential benefits: Pope Francis acknowledged AI's promise to democratize access to knowledge, advance scientific research, and perform demanding human tasks.

• Risks and inequities: He cautioned that AI could exacerbate injustices between developed and developing countries and between social classes, potentially harming efforts to foster a culture of encounter.

• Call for reflection: He urged G7 leaders to consider AI "first and foremost a tool" that requires careful governance to ensure it serves humanity.

Context:

AI has been a concern for Pope Francis for years:

• In 2020, Catholic leaders presented him with a proposal on AI ethics, education, and rights.

• Later that year, he prayed that AI advancements would benefit humanity.

Ex-NSA chief joins OpenAI...

OpenAI announced on Thursday the addition of former NSA head and retired Gen. Paul Nakasone to its board of directors and its newly formed Safety and Security Committee.

Why it matters: As OpenAI pushes toward developing superintelligence, the company aims to ensure the safety and security of its AI models. Nakasone's appointment is a strategic move to reassure skeptics of OpenAI's commitment to these goals.

• Expertise in cybersecurity: Nakasone's background includes leading the military's Cyber Command and serving as the head of the NSA. His experience in cybersecurity and national security will be crucial for OpenAI.

• Board chair's statement: "Artificial Intelligence has the potential to have huge positive impacts on people's lives, but it can only meet this potential if these innovations are securely built and deployed," said OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor. He emphasized that Nakasone's experience would guide OpenAI in ensuring AI benefits all of humanity.

• Political endorsement: Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) praised the appointment, highlighting Nakasone's respected status in the security community and his realistic perspective on challenges, particularly those posed by China.

Internal criticisms: Not all feedback has been positive. Former OpenAI employees, including Jan Leike, who led the company's long-term safety work called "superalignment," have voiced concerns about OpenAI's prioritization of speed over safety. Leike and policy researcher Gretchen Krueger, who also left the company last month, shared apprehensions about the company's support for safety initiatives.

This strategic appointment underscores OpenAI's dedication to navigating the complex landscape of AI development with a focus on security and ethical considerations.

AI Steve: the UK’s first AI candidate takes the stage

An artificial intelligence candidate named "AI Steve" is running in the United Kingdom’s general election next month. Represented by Sussex businessman Steve Endacott, AI Steve aims to bring a new level of engagement and transparency to politics.

Why it matters: This move marks a significant shift in the political landscape, leveraging AI to create a politician who can interact with constituents around the clock. AI Steve can answer policy questions and gather public opinion to shape its policies.

• Constant availability: AI Steve allows voters to ask questions and share their opinions at any time via a dedicated website, providing answers based on a database of the party’s policies.

• Policy feedback: Endacott seeks "validators" to score policies, with those scoring above 50% becoming official party policy. This direct feedback loop aims to keep the politician connected with voters' views.

Public response: The AI candidate has already sparked significant interest, with around 1,000 calls received in one night after news of its launch leaked online. Top voter concerns include safety of Palestinians, trash bins, bicycle lanes, immigration, and abortion.

Endacott’s vision: Endacott, who previously ran unsuccessfully in a local election, believes AI Steve represents a new way of doing politics. He envisions a system where voters have continuous input on policies rather than just voting every four years.

AI in politics: While AI Steve could be the first AI legislator if elected, other candidates have experimented with AI in their campaigns. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between politicians and constituents, promoting a more interactive and responsive political system.

This radical shift could redefine how democracy functions, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-integrated governance.