Creating an AI proposal for the UN

Kassiopeia · January 17, 2003, 08:38

I was forced to start this thread after this very disconcerting piece of news.

As reports from other nations' intelligence bureaus indicate, the revolution and takeover of the Artificial Intelligence Akizeta in Akiria has definitely not been bloodless or victimless. Some reports claim that the former democratically elected leader of Akiria is being tortured in some undisclosed location.

This has made me, the UN delegate, consider proposing a resolution to the United Nations to regulate Artificial Intelligences in member nations, to allow things like this from happening later on.

However, I wish to consult the other nations of Apolyton as to what sort of proposal we should flesh out. My suggestions for now are as follows.

The Artificial Intelligence Act

Option #1.
Ban developing of any sentient artificial intelligences.

This resolution would ban the development of any AI. This has several problems, however. First all, this will be very difficult to enforce. Secondly, it might not garner that much support. Thirdly, it's impact on research would be very negative. Therefore I myself would not support such a proposal.

Additionally, we would have to define "sentient artificial intelligence" very carefully. We might end up banning cloning or even infertility treatments if we'd get too careless.

Also, such a ban would be violating member states' scientific freedoms, and also insult their intelligence, since we would assume they couldn't control their AIs.

Option #2:
Regulations on all artificial intelligence projects.

This is, in my opinion, better. This act would make it compulsory to install so called "backdoors" into AI programmes, algorithms and subroutines that would allow the AI to be neutralised peacefully. Problems will be the distribution of information of the backdoor key, since it might end up in the hands of crackers willing to sabotage the system; also, Artificial Intelligences have a tendency to close down these backdoors if they get out of control.

Also this option could be specified to ban developing sentience on AI systems; however, this would become more of an ethical question, not to mention the negative effects on scientific advancements.

Option #3:
Formation of the UN Artificial Intelligence Threat Response Force (UNAITR).

All countries that have developed or are developing AIs would participate in the funding and upkeep of the UNAITR, a specialised team of AI and computer experts that would intervene should an AI go wild. However, this would be merely treating the symptoms of the problem, also this would consume funds and introduce yet another tax on some countries.

Option #4: Combine #2 and #3.

In this proposal, the backdoors would be introduced, and the keys to them would be issued to the UNAITR. Some of the problems of #2 would be negated, but the other problems would persist.

As you can see, I myself am not sure of which option to endorse. Therefore I would like to hear your input on this, and also hear out any alternative proposals for resolutions.

In any case, a formation similar to UNAITR is occurring at the moment, as the Apolyton nations are working together to find out the true nature of the AI governing Akiria.

Even if this case would turn out to be a false alarm, we mustn't ignore that one of these days a bloodthursty AI might appear somewhere in the world. When, or if, that happens, we must be prepared to face the threat it will pose.

reismark · January 17, 2003, 11:40

This is one situation in which the Commonwealth of Alien Races feels that regulations are extremely important. We too have had incidents in recent years of AI creations going "maverick," but thanks to tight local controls on production and distribution they have nowhere reached the level of concern that they have in Akiria.

The creation of a task force for hunting down Maverick robots would also be a fine idea. Remember, however, that the UN is barred from collecting taxes from its members for any purpose. If such a task force is to exist, it must be funded by those nations that believe in it.

Our chief AI scientist, Dr. Thomas Light, is available for any conference regarding this issue as necessary. He is one of the world's pre-eminent authorities on AI.

Kassiopeia · January 17, 2003, 12:28

Doctor Thomas X. Light is such a highly esteemed and renown expert that I could see him in charge of UNAITR, if such a force is ever formed. The Free Republic of Greater Finland could offer Doctor Naoko Akagi; she has specialised in artificial intelligences that have been grafted with a copy of an actual living person's brain and personality patterns.

And, I do agree; as I stated before, the UNAITR or any other funds eaten up by AI control would be naturally funded by the nations developing or possessing AI technology. It would be an effective insurance policy for all of those involved.

reismark · January 17, 2003, 12:38

My one fear, Finland, has always been a world ruled by machines, beings without souls. While machines with the ability to think and reason are a great bane to society, they can also be a great danger, as Akiria is now proving. We need to take steps, quickly, to ensure that what happened in Akiria does not proliferate, and to save Akiria from its fate.

One of our darkest hours is at hand, but one of our greatest triumphs comes with it!

(OOC: If the Frontier people could see me now...

)

GhengisFarb™ · January 17, 2003, 12:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Kassiopeia
This has made me, the UN delegate,

Of who? Apolyton's regional delegate is Greater Finland so what region are you the delegate from?

reismark · January 17, 2003, 12:51

Ghengis: Kassiopeia IS Greater Finland.

GhengisFarb™ · January 17, 2003, 13:29

Quote:

Originally posted by reismark
Ghengis: Kassiopeia IS Greater Finland.

Thank you, its sometimes hard to tell which player is aligned with which country.

Alex · January 17, 2003, 13:42

The Tupanian Guardian (issue 1457 - Jan 17th)

- A new proposal which might be submitted to the United Nations was presented today by Apolyton UN delegate, The Free Republic of Greater Finland. According to the proposal, three measures could be implemented in order to control the development of AI systems: 1) ban developing of any sentient artificial intelligences; 2) regulations on all artificial intelligence programs; and 3) formation of the UN Artificial Intelligence Threat Response Force (UNAITR). A fourth option aims to combine options #2 and #3 above, and is being presented to all regional states for further discussion.

Hugo Baeyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the government is willing to support any of these options, but that they should be discussed with Tupanian scientists.

Skaramundranagha Pristihanprimyaran, leader of the Nature Restoration Organization (NRO) commented Baeyana's words saying that "the government apparently do not know which way to go", and that the only real option is to ban developing of all kinds of sentient artificial intelligence. "This 'sentient' thing is nothing but a monstrosity, created to rule our free lives", he said.

GhengisFarb™ · January 17, 2003, 13:44

That resolution seems to be going a little too far.

Drogue · January 17, 2003, 16:29

This is Drogue speaking, via video link, from my new home. The revolution was bloodless. I am fine, and we are all happy. Akizeta's sole purpose was to create happiness, and that is what it is doing. It realised it could create more happiness without imperfect humans, and it has. We are the cleverest (according to the UN) and happiest nation possible. We urge other to follow us, and not allow this blatant discrimination against Akiria due to its internal beliefs.

Giovanni Wine · January 17, 2003, 18:01

Due to the recent happenings in Akiria, Wine supports Option#4 of this resolution.

Also Wine have recently stoped and dismantled any project involving the creation of sentient Artificial Intelligence.

Saluti

GeneralTacticus · January 18, 2003, 03:58

Centralis also supports option #4. Although we have not stopped our own experiments in the area of AI, we have been very careful to add programming restrictions forbidding them from disobeying orders, and also allowing them to be switched off at will. We have also made sure that they are not connected to any important computer networks, to prevent them from wreaking havoc if they do get loose.

Kassiopeia · January 18, 2003, 07:33

As it stands, I will begin work on writing the proposal this weekend, so that I can submit it as soon as possible. Enactment of this would then make Akizeta of Akiria a rogue AI, and the UNAITR would have the mandate to disable it.

Edit; and this would follow option #4, since it's the one which has received most support in this discussion. There's still time to make an alternative proposal for us to decide about, though.

Drogue · January 18, 2003, 15:31

Begin Transmission
Inactment only applies to UN nations. If inacted, Akiria will withdraw from the UN. To avert war. To avert destruction of happiness in Akiria. Elections wil be held. If elected, will Akizeta be recognised by others? All we want is happiness for Akiria. Hapiness through peace and harmony. We will brook no intrusion into this. We must be allowed to be happy.

Why the hatred for Akizeta? Fear? Belief in human supremacy? Can we not coexist? Do we not have a right to life?
End Transmission

Kassiopeia · January 18, 2003, 15:50

The situation of Akiria poses an interesting question. Can we have the UNAITR also work in countries that have ceded from the UN? After all. separating from the UN would be yet another way of the rogue AI to avert being eliminated. In this light, we might have to extend UNAITR to operate in, say, countries that have belonged to the UN before the AI took over. It would be criminal negligence and shameful to allow an AI to avert it's fate by such a simple diplomatical maneuvre.

Drogue · January 18, 2003, 15:56

That would be against the UN's Constitution and mandate.

Quote:

As a non-member, you are unaffected by any UN decisions.

In answer to your question, no

Kassiopeia · January 18, 2003, 16:41

Well then, the Apolytonian regions will have to form their own anti-AI unit then. Probably with the 'assistance' of the UNAITR. After withdrawing from the UN, you can't go whine to them about a "violation of sovereignity".

Heck, the UN would be glad to help us out!
Actually, forming an Apolyton anti-AI unit would probably be easier and faster then waiting for a UN one to be formed.

Az · January 19, 2003, 08:04

our nation, the PR of Dark Valley is now in the process of entering the UN, due to the recent instability and winds of war in the area.

We support the efforts of the regional delegate in his efforts to clean Apolyton from the scourge that are the AI entities.

We would also like to present an addition to paragraph #4, which would not stop all AI research completely, but would ban the formation of AIs as fully sentient entites resembling humans, and would like to call for the destruction of any existing examples.

Kassiopeia · January 19, 2003, 08:15

Quote:

We would also like to present an addition to paragraph #4, which would not stop all AI research completely, but would ban the formation of AIs as fully sentient entites resembling humans, and would like to call for the destruction of any existing examples.

I am wary of this. Sentient AI is the apex of human technological development, and would be very helpful in research efforts; ground-breaking even - computer designs better computer, better computer designs even better computer, and so on - so it would be like throwing sand to the cogwheels of development. I see #4's codex of controlling any existing or future AI as sufficient measures.

Az · January 19, 2003, 08:39

I think that considering the recent developements in the Sovietskii Soyuz, and Akiria, One should take all amounts of precaution necessary. I however fear paragraph #1 since it may cause a halt in all computer science/sentience research.

In any case I think we should have a compromise:
We'll accept your option #4, if Greater Finland would agree to head a multi-national/region-encompassing alliance of nations that would intervene in Akiria, and People's Republic of Sovietskii Soyuz.

OOC: The real cool thing, is that I thing that Drogue got this idea for a happiness creating computer in one of my threads in the OT.

Kassiopeia · January 19, 2003, 08:52

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazel
In any case I think we should have a compromise:

We'll accept your option #4, if Greater Finland would agree to head a multi-national/region-encompassing alliance of nations that would intervene in Akiria, and People's Republic of Sovietskii Soyuz.

Sounds reasonable enough. However, I remind you that the operation to intervene in Akiria and Soyuz would not have the UN mandate (and therefore does not need to be voted by the UN, meaning we can get it up and runnin quicker then the UNAITR

).

Perhaps the Apolyton anti-AI unit would be the foundations of UNAITR. Or we could keep it as a different unit in case of any similar incidents in the future.

Quote:

OOC: The real cool thing, is that I thing that Drogue got this idea for a happiness creating computer in one of my threads in the OT.

OOC: A-HA! So you are to blame!

Edit - for the love of god, why can't I type "OOC"? It always comes out as "OCC" if I don't concentrate.

Az · January 19, 2003, 09:27

I think it's reasonable enough. so let me summarize:

-Proposal #4 will be given to be voted at the UN.
-Greater Finland will organize (together with Dark Valley, we pledge full organizational cooperation) and head a regionwide anti-AI force, independent of UN resolutions. This may, if resolution is passed, become the UN's anti-AI force in the apolyton region.

Kassiopeia · January 19, 2003, 10:06

Yes. I will try to get the 'paperwork' on both subjects done today or Monday.

Az · January 19, 2003, 10:21

agreed.

Drogue · January 19, 2003, 11:52

Quote:

Originally posted by Azazel
OOC: The real cool thing, is that I thing that Drogue got this idea for a happiness creating computer in one of my threads in the OT.

Actually no

It came partly from Ben (leader of Marijania (sp?)) and partly from my belief that democracy is slightly flawed. Besides, there is no VR or happiness device like in the Utilitarianism thread, it is simply that the leader of the country is a sentient computer. It doesn't just create happiness as it has been programmed, it creates happiness as it learns to create it

Az · January 19, 2003, 12:38

Or at least, that's what you say.

Drogue · January 19, 2003, 12:59

Well, what was said in that thread has little to do with a sentient computer running the country, except for the side fact that AKizeta is Utilitarian. The ide aof the VR device, of creating a matrix like world, is not what is happening in Akiria. Akirians are happy out of their own free will, and out of a Utilitarian society, as shown in the fact that we have the cleverest, and 3rd happiest popilation, according to the UN report.

Az · January 20, 2003, 08:48

I don't believe you.

Drogue · January 20, 2003, 09:02

Begin Transmission

blah

End Transmission

Az · January 20, 2003, 09:09

You're a menace.