AI firms must be held responsible for harm they cause, 'godfathers' of technology say

Powerful artificial intelligence systems threaten social stability and AI companies must be made liable for harms caused by their products, a group of senior experts including two "godfathers" of the technology has warned. Tuesday's intervention was made as international politicians, tech companies, academics and civil society figures prepare to gather at Bletchley Park next week for a summit on AI safety. A co-author of the policy proposals from 23 experts said it was "utterly reckless" to pursue ever more powerful AI systems before understanding how to make them safe. "It's time to get serious about advanced AI systems," said Stuart Russell, professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. Increasing their capabilities before we understand how to make them safe is utterly reckless." He added: "There are more regulations on sandwich shops than there are on AI companies."