containment-problem

The inherent difficulty in monitoring, controlling, and predicting the widespread and emergent impacts of rapidly diffusing technologies.

1 chapter across 1 book

The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma (2023)Mustafa Suleyman; Michael Bhaskar

Part IV: Through the Wave

Part IV of 'The Coming Wave' focuses on the imperative of containment regarding emerging technologies, particularly advanced AI and synthetic biology. It introduces key terms and concepts such as the containment problem, the four features exacerbating containment challenges, and the dilemma of balancing technological openness with control to avoid catastrophic outcomes. The prologue, written by an AI, frames the coming wave as a pivotal moment in human history with vast potential benefits and risks, emphasizing the urgent need for preparedness and thoughtful decision-making.