In recent months, there has been a lot of discussion on social media of artificial intelligence, or AI, following the release of extremely powerful new forms of the technology. Programmes like ChatGPT can write complex essays and poems, create fake photographs and videos, and sustain convincing conversations on many different subjects.
Just a few days ago an open letter was published calling for a moratorium on AI development until more thorough safety protocols could be developed. This letter was not the work of cranks or alarmists. It was signed by influential and powerful tech figures such as Elon Musk – CEO of Twitter and founder of SpaceX – and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.
