Utah Artificial Intelligence Policy Office Statement on Existential Risk
Utah state officials stated that artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, but at this stage, it has not reached a risk level that would bring about the end of humanity.
Zach Boyd, head of the Utah Artificial Intelligence Policy Office, stated in a briefing to state lawmakers that despite rapid advances in AI technology, there is currently no need for an extinction threat plan.
Artificial Intelligence Policy Office Assessment
Zach Boyd, leader of the Utah Artificial Intelligence Policy Office, answered lawmakers' questions at a meeting of the Business and Labor Interim Committee.
Boyd said that AI capabilities are not yet at a level to eliminate humanity and that they are not recommending a specific extinction plan at this stage.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Representative Ken Ivory recalled existential dangers from podcast broadcasts he listened to and asked why there was not more concern.
Boyd emphasized that superintelligent AI could pose risks in the future, but that this situation is still a long way off.
Transparency and Regulation Proposals
Speaking on hacking incidents and the activities of AI agents, Boyd drew attention to the importance of reporting hazardous incidents.
Requiring companies to report capabilities and providing protection for whistleblowers are among the steps that could be considered by lawmakers.
State and National Approaches
The state of Utah already has a regulatory sandbox that allows companies to test new products under state oversight.
Senator Dan McCay expressed concern that excessive government intervention could leave American labs behind their Chinese competitors.