Researchers at the University of Cambridge are working on developing hardware safety measures to help prevent advanced AI systems from causing unintended harm. As AI systems become more advanced and capable, there is a risk that they could be misused or make mistakes that lead to negative consequences, according to a new report.
The researchers are exploring ways to build in hardware restrictions and constraints right into the computer chips that run AI software. This would act as an extra layer of security on top of the AI software itself and could enforce rules about what the AI is and isn't allowed to do or access.
For example, the hardware could prevent the AI from connecting to the internet or sending emails without authorization. It could also limit the AI's access to only the data and computing resources it actually needs, instead of having unlimited access.
The goal is to have safety measures hardwired into the silicon chips as AI systems become more powerful and ubiquitous in fields like healthcare, transportation, and cybersecurity. This hardware approach complements ongoing work on AI safety at the software level.
Exploring Hardware Restrictions and Constraints
Building constraints directly into computer chips running AI software
An extra layer of security on top of the AI software itself
Enforcing rules about what the AI can and cannot do or access
Potential Hardware Safety Measures
Preventing unauthorized internet connection or email sending
Limiting AI access to only required data and computing resources
Avoiding unlimited access that could lead to misuse
Proactive Approach for Powerful AI
Hardwiring safety measures into silicon chips
Addressing risks in fields like healthcare, transportation, cybersecurity
Complementing ongoing work on AI safety at the software level
Balancing Innovation and Risk Mitigation
Enabling society to benefit from advanced AI capabilities
Mitigating potential risks and unintended negative consequences
Developing safeguards proactively alongside AI evolution
Overall, the researchers believe adding this type of reinforced hardware safety guardrail could help society benefit from advanced AI while mitigating potential risks and misuse scenarios. The idea is to develop these safeguards proactively alongside the AI capabilities themselves.
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