U.S. AI Safety Institute Partners with OpenAI and Anthropic in Landmark Safety Initiative
August 29, 2024The partnerships are noted as the first of their kind and come as concerns about AI risks prompt calls for regulatory measures.
The U.S. AI Safety Institute has entered into groundbreaking agreements with OpenAI and Anthropic to enhance AI safety research, testing, and evaluation.
Established under an executive order from the Biden administration, the institute operates as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
In exchange for collaboration, the AI Safety Institute will offer feedback on security improvements, working closely with the UK's AI Security Institute.
These agreements are part of a broader global effort to assess the risks associated with powerful AI algorithms, amid increasing regulatory scrutiny.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has emphasized the need for national-level testing and oversight to maintain U.S. leadership in AI development.
While participation in safety evaluations remains voluntary for AI developers, there are concerns about the ambiguous definition of 'safety'.
Previously, the Biden administration engaged with AI companies through voluntary commitments focused on safety, with 16 companies participating.
Despite the institute's establishment, it lacks legislative power to enforce compliance, relying instead on voluntary commitments from AI developers.
The White House is pursuing voluntary commitments from major tech companies to implement AI safety measures, focusing on cybersecurity and content watermarking.
Generative AI poses safety risks, including inaccuracies and misinformation, highlighting the importance of responsible development.
This initiative aims to balance innovation with safety, particularly as U.S. legislators consider regulations for AI technology.
Summary based on 28 sources
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Sources
Bloomberg • Aug 29, 2024
OpenAI, Anthropic Agree to Work With US Institute on Safety TestingThe Verge • Aug 29, 2024
OpenAI and Anthropic will share their models with the US governmentMashable • Aug 30, 2024
OpenAI, Anthropic agree to have their models tested before making them publicYahoo Finance • Aug 29, 2024
OpenAI, Anthropic Agree to Work With US Institute on Safety Testing