Founder of Mistral Warns Against Obsession with Artificial General Intelligence

Arthur Mensch, the founder and CEO of Mistral, challenges the prevailing obsession with creating artificial general intelligence (AGI) by likening it to the pursuit of playing god. AGI represents a level of artificial intelligence that surpasses human capabilities, a concept that tech luminaries such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman predict will eventually outstrip human intelligence. However, Mensch diverges from this viewpoint and cautions against tech behemoths imposing AI standards that may clash with global cultural norms and values.

Mensch's Stance on AGI and Tech Giants

Mensch's firm, Mistral, has garnered attention as a top-tier tech company globally and a standout in Europe. In an interview with The New York Times, Mensch expressed unease with the Silicon Valley's almost reverential fixation on AGI. He remarked, "The entire AGI narrative revolves around the idea of creating a deity. As a staunch atheist, I do not subscribe to this belief. Therefore, I do not endorse the concept of AGI."

The Emergence of AI Religion

Some notable figures within the tech sphere have taken their fascination with AI to the next level by establishing a new religion centered around artificial intelligence. Anthony Levandowski, a former Google engineer who received a pardon from Donald Trump for misappropriating trade secrets, founded the "Way of the Future" church in 2015. Although the original church was disbanded, Levandowski has initiated a new congregation with a substantial following seeking to forge a "spiritual bond" with AI.

Global Concerns and Regulation

Mensch raises alarms about the looming dominance of tech titans like Microsoft and Google, emphasizing the potential threat they pose to diverse global cultures. He underscores the risk of conflicting AI standards with the cultural and ethical values of various nations. The European Union has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Act to shield individuals from the perils associated with AI, while countries such as China have rolled out their regulatory frameworks.

Pushback Against Tech Monopolies

Mensch also critiques the efforts of major tech corporations to advocate for legislation that could stifle competition, particularly concerning open-source AI models.

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By: aaltchek@insider.com (Ana Altchek)
Title: Founder of Mistral Warns Against Obsession with Artificial General Intelligence
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/mistrals-ceo-said-obsession-with-agi-about-creating-god-2024-4
Published Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 14:18:01 +0000