TL;DR
Vitalik Buterin warned about the risks of uncontrolled AI that could generate autonomous and self-replicating entities, threatening humanity.
He proposed that AI should complement human intelligence, enhancing collective capabilities without replacing people.
Buterin introduced “Decentralized and Democratic Defense” (d/Acc) as an approach to mitigate AI risks through decentralized tools.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has expressed concern about the risks posed by uncontrolled artificial intelligence (AI). Buterin warned that improper handling of AI could lead to autonomous, self-replicating entities that would endanger humanity. According to Buterin, if AI is developed without proper controls, the result could be “permanent human disempowerment.” However, if used correctly, AI could help improve human civilization, ushering in an era of superintelligence and prosperity.
The Ethereum founder emphasized that not all AI is dangerous. Systems like chatbots, which are designed to improve the user experience, are beneficial. However, when AI operates autonomously for extended periods, it can become a threat, as it could challenge human control and undermine the well-being of society. To avoid these dangers, Buterin suggested that AI should be designed to complement and amplify human intelligence, becoming tools that help enhance the collective capabilities of people.
What Does Vitalik Buterin Propose to Deal with the Advancement of AI?
One of Buterin’s main proposals to address these challenges is the concept of “Decentralized and Democratic Defense,” or d/Acc. This approach aims to develop decentralized tools to mitigate the risks arising from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. With d/Acc, the idea is to distribute technological power democratically, giving communities and individuals the ability to defend themselves from AI threats without relying on centralized decisions from governments or large corporations.
According to Buterin, the decentralized approach will not only help protect communities, but it will also ensure that no single entity has absolute control over the development of AI, contributing to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.
Additionally, he emphasized the ethical responsibility of developers in this field, stressing that decisions regarding the design and use of AI should be based on principles of security and transparency. To strengthen global infrastructure and minimize risks, he proposed assigning responsibility to owners of AI-controlled equipment, thereby creating incentives to ensure the security of systems