Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has suggested a temporary reduction in global computing power to give humanity more time to prepare for the potential threat of superintelligence.
Pause on Computing Power
In a January 5 blog post, Vitalik Buterin noted that superintelligent technologies could arrive as soon as five years from now. He is considering a temporary decrease in global compute power by 99% for 1 to 2 years to buy time for preparation.
Regulatory Proposals
Buterin suggested the possibility of fitting industrial computing systems with special chips that allow their operation only after obtaining signatures from international bodies. There is also the conceptual position that the use, deployment, or development of AI could be regulated through liability for potential harm.
Defensive Accelerationism
The d/acc concept, advocated by Buterin, emphasizes a cautious approach to technology development. It stands in contrast to effective accelerationism, which advocates for unrestricted technological change.
The idea of a temporary pause in global compute power could help prepare for the impending dangers associated with the development of superintelligent AI and become an important step in technology regulation.
