In his latest announcement, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, surprised the technology world with the declaration that he wanted to invest significantly in the development of ageneral artificial intelligence (AGI) and to make it Open source.
This intention of his actually made more than one expert in the sector jump on their seats, triggering a wave of skeptical and worried reactions. Why?
AGI Open Source: revolutionary or dangerous move?
Zuckerberg, as mentioned, declared that the AGI developed by Meta will be accessible to developers and the public, allowing anyone to use and adapt this technology. The open source nature of a system as advanced as AGI, however, raises serious questions about security and regulation.
Dame Wendy Hall, a professor of computer science at the University of Southampton and a member of the United Nations Advisory Committee on AI, described the prospect of open source AGI as “really scary,” labeling Zuckerberg's move irresponsible.
It's a bit like giving people plans to build a nuclear bomb
Dame Wendy Hall
Interviews and reactions: the world responds
The debate over open source AGI is not just theoretical. Dr. Andrew Rogoyski from the University of Surrey expressed similar concerns, stressing that decisions of this magnitude should not be left in the hands of a single tech company. These comments highlight the growing need for international consensus and careful regulation in a field as powerful and influential as artificial intelligence.
With the potential to surpass human capabilities, AGI could escape human control, especially if it becomes widely accessible with Open Source. We need to quickly overcome our disbelief regarding systems that seemed unthinkable only until recently. Abandon the opposing temptations to 'bless' AI or to consider it apocalyptic, and simply work to moderate both the tool itself and its use.
The future of AI and social responsibility
Zuckerberg is once again navigating uncharted waters, and he does so with the same enthusiastic lightness unlined for the Metaverse. I hope you focus on Meta's social responsibility in ensuring that its AGI is developed and distributed in a safe and ethical manner.
History has taught us that technological innovations, while bringing progress, can also have negative side effects if not managed correctly. Will Meta's “open source” AGI bring innovation and progress, or expose us to unimaginable risks? The answer to these questions will shape not only the future of technology, but also the course of human society.
