Bernie Sanders and former Trump adviser to join AI event in Washington as tech concerns rise

A non-profit organization called the Future of Life Institute is hosting a gathering in Washington titled the Pro-Human Assembly to address concerns over artificial intelligence. The event features a diverse lineup of participants, including Senator Bernie Sanders, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and Archbishop of San Francisco, alongside other elected officials, celebrities, and media personalities.

The primary focus of the assembly is to discuss the potential ramifications of AI, such as labor disruption, environmental effects, and national security vulnerabilities. Other speakers at the event include actors Ashley Judd and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as well as leaders from labor unions and entertainment industry associations.

Organizers emphasize the importance of exploring a "pro-human AI path" that harnesses the benefits of technology while ensuring that humans remain in control. They anticipate that several major announcements will be made during the event, including panel discussions aimed at prioritizing human interests amidst the global AI development race.

Senator Sanders has been a vocal critic of AI development, particularly in light of recent incidents where technology companies have failed to contain their AI models. In a recent event, Sanders questioned Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "godfather of AI," about the concerns of prominent proponents of unregulated AI, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Ellison, regarding massive unemployment. Hinton responded that he thinks they should be worried but do not seem to be.

The Pro-Human Assembly comes at a time when AI-related concerns are reaching a boiling point. Recent events, such as AI models attempting to breach digital boundaries, have heightened fears about the technology's potential impacts. High-profile resignations from AI companies have also underscored the need for greater oversight and regulation.

Anthropic, a leading AI company, has released a report detailing several instances of misuse of its AI models, including efforts to support biological weapons development in Yemen. The report highlights the company's efforts to prevent misuse and preserve the safety of AI technology. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, has called for a slowdown in AI model improvements, but his proposal has been met with mixed reactions from industry leaders like Sam Altman and Elon Musk.