Yoshua Bengio Launches LawZero: AI Safety Nonprofit Lab
▼ Summary
– Yoshua Bengio is launching a nonprofit AI safety lab called LawZero to develop safer AI systems.
– LawZero raised $30 million from donors including Jaan Tallinn, Eric Schmidt, Open Philanthropy, and the Future of Life Institute.
– The lab’s name references the Zeroth Law of Robotics, prioritizing humanity’s protection above all else.
– Bengio, a leading AI figure, supports AI safety efforts like California’s SB 1047 bill to prevent catastrophic AI risks.
– Bengio expressed skepticism about OpenAI and Google prioritizing safety in their pursuit of advanced AI systems.
Yoshua Bengio, renowned AI pioneer and Turing Award recipient, has announced the creation of LawZero, a nonprofit research lab dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence safety. The initiative, backed by $30 million in philanthropic funding, aims to develop frameworks ensuring AI systems remain aligned with human interests. Key supporters include tech luminaries like Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and organizations such as Open Philanthropy and the Future of Life Institute.
The lab’s name, LawZero, draws inspiration from science fiction—specifically Isaac Asimov’s Zeroth Law of Robotics, which prioritizes humanity’s protection above all other directives. Bengio, often called one of the “godfathers of AI,” has emerged as a leading voice in the push for responsible AI development. His advocacy recently extended to supporting California’s SB 1047, a contentious bill designed to mitigate risks posed by advanced AI systems.
In a candid discussion with the Financial Times, Bengio expressed skepticism about major tech firms like OpenAI and Google, questioning whether their competitive pursuit of more powerful AI would leave adequate room for safety measures. His concerns highlight a growing divide between industry leaders racing to deploy cutting-edge models and researchers urging caution. LawZero represents a concerted effort to bridge that gap, focusing on proactive solutions rather than reactive fixes.
With its emphasis on long-term AI safety, the lab joins a broader movement seeking to prevent catastrophic outcomes while harnessing AI’s transformative potential. Bengio’s involvement lends significant credibility to these efforts, reinforcing the need for independent oversight in an increasingly high-stakes field.
(Source: TechCrunch)
