The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent catastrophic misuse of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons, and wants an expert to ensure its guardrails are sufficiently robust.
In the LinkedIn recruitment post, the firm says applicants should have a minimum of five years experience in chemical weapons and/or explosives defence as well as knowledge of radiological dispersal devices – also known as dirty bombs. The firm told the BBC the role was similar to jobs in other sensitive areas that it has already created.
Anthropic is not the only AI firm adopting this strategy. A similar position has been advertised by ChatGPT developer OpenAI, looking for a researcher in biological and chemical risks, with a salary of up to $455,000, almost double that offered by Anthropic.
However, some experts are alarmed by the risks of this approach, warning that it gives AI tools information about weapons - even if they have been instructed not to use it. Dr. Stephanie Hare, a tech researcher, questioned whether it is ever safe to use AI systems to handle sensitive chemicals and explosives information, including dirty bombs and other radiological weapons.
The urgency of this issue has been underscored by the US government's calls for collaboration with AI firms, especially amid escalating military actions in regions such as Iran and Venezuela. Anthropic’s initiative reflects the broader concerns regarding AI and weaponization, as companies navigate ethical waters amidst rapid technological advancements.
In the LinkedIn recruitment post, the firm says applicants should have a minimum of five years experience in chemical weapons and/or explosives defence as well as knowledge of radiological dispersal devices – also known as dirty bombs. The firm told the BBC the role was similar to jobs in other sensitive areas that it has already created.
Anthropic is not the only AI firm adopting this strategy. A similar position has been advertised by ChatGPT developer OpenAI, looking for a researcher in biological and chemical risks, with a salary of up to $455,000, almost double that offered by Anthropic.
However, some experts are alarmed by the risks of this approach, warning that it gives AI tools information about weapons - even if they have been instructed not to use it. Dr. Stephanie Hare, a tech researcher, questioned whether it is ever safe to use AI systems to handle sensitive chemicals and explosives information, including dirty bombs and other radiological weapons.
The urgency of this issue has been underscored by the US government's calls for collaboration with AI firms, especially amid escalating military actions in regions such as Iran and Venezuela. Anthropic’s initiative reflects the broader concerns regarding AI and weaponization, as companies navigate ethical waters amidst rapid technological advancements.
