Google DeepMind cofounder Demis Hassabis backs Anthropic boss Dario Amodei's calls for AI slowdown

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called for an industry-wide slowdown and third-party evaluations of AI systems following public resignations from researchers fearing the development of uncontrollable AI. Google DeepMind co-founder and Alphabet chief scientist Demis Hassabis has endorsed these calls, stating that while the details need further discussion, the direction is correct.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also lent support, emphasizing the need for a frank conversation and independent verification to ensure safety. Amodei has proposed a three-step plan for pacing AI development, including giving third-party evaluators ongoing, employee-level access to systems, establishing common safety standards, and promoting global coordination.

Despite the potential benefits of AI, such as curing diseases and accelerating economic growth, Amodei warns of serious risks including losing control of AI systems, misuse for cyberattacks and bioterrorism, and causing economic disruption.