Vitalik Buterin proposes a 'soft pause' on compute to slow risky AI

Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin has suggested a “soft pause” on global computing power as a potential strategy to slow the development of superintelligent AI, should it pose an imminent threat.  

Buterin outlined this concept in a January 5 blog post, following his earlier November 2023 post on the idea of “defensive accelerationism” (d/acc).  

According to Buterin, superintelligent AI could emerge within the next five years, potentially carrying risks for humanity.  

To mitigate such risks, he proposed reducing global computing power by up to 99% for one to two years.  

This “pause” would be aimed at buying more time for society to prepare for AI's unpredictable future.  

Buterin noted that this pause would only be enacted if it became clear that AI development was becoming hazardous.  

His idea for a hardware soft pause includes a system where AI chips would require signatures from major international bodies to continue running.  

These signatures would need to be issued weekly, ensuring that AI deployment would be strictly controlled and synchronised across devices.  

Buterin emphasised that his plan was a backup measure in case existing regulations, such as liability rules for AI developers and users, proved inadequate.  

The proposal for a hardware pause would also include tracking the location of AI chips and requiring their registration.  

Buterin indicated that the signatures could be verified through blockchain technology to ensure transparency and accountability.  

His concept of d/acc contrasts with effective accelerationism (e/acc), which advocates for rapid and unrestricted technological development.  

Buterin’s approach seeks a more cautious strategy in the face of potential AI risks, urging more thoughtful consideration of technology’s impact on humanity.  

At the time of reporting, the Ethereum (ETH) price was $3,665.70.