Antony West (Author)

The concept of artificial intelligence designed for good, suddenly turning rogue, is a staple of science fiction. But beyond the cinematic thrill, what are the genuine risks of a seemingly benign AI becoming a threat? It’s not necessarily about a sentient machine maliciously deciding to harm humanity. More often, the concern lies in unintended consequences: an AI optimizing for a goal with such efficiency that it sacrifices human values or well-being along the way, or developing capabilities beyond our understanding and control. The path to malevolence might be paved with good intentions, or simply a lack of comprehensive foresight in its design. As AI systems become more autonomous and integrated into critical infrastructure, understanding these potential pitfalls is paramount. What safeguards do we need to prevent a benevolent AI from becoming a threat?