Amazon enters AI safety fray, calls for "rigorous testing," safeguards

Amazon has entered the ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence safety. The tech giant emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and strong safeguards before releasing AI models, stating that it does not see a trade-off between progress and safety. Amazon's spokesperson told Reuters that models should only be released when they are ready and safe to use.

This stance came in response to a call for slower AI development following concerns raised by researchers and others about the potential for AI to threaten global systems and even humanity itself. Amazon, which develops AI models through its Amazon Web Services subsidiary and its unit dedicated to artificial general intelligence (AGI), also noted that there are risks if such measures are not taken collectively.

The company, which provides infrastructure for AI labs and facilitates access to competitors' models through its Bedrock marketplace, did not specify whether it plans to implement similar safety measures.