In my book Super AI, I explained the imminent AI that could match or even surpass human capabilities. This groundbreaking shift, which I predicted, is now coming into focus, and the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is closer than ever. As I outlined, AGI has the potential to transform every aspect of society from economic structures to global power dynamics. Yet, this transformation will not be equally felt, with those controlling AGI technology standing to benefit the most.

The Era of  Conscious AI

In Super AI, I painted a picture of a world where machines can perform any intellectual task a human can what we call AGI. With AGI on the horizon, society is on the brink of massive change. I explored how the introduction of such advanced AI could lead to greater economic inequalities, as automation replaces traditional jobs. These shifts would leave behind a growing divide between those who harness AGI and those displaced by it. This is exactly the concern Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed in a recent statement, reinforcing the warning that the benefits of AGI won’t be shared equally. “OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a lengthy blog post that AGI will be available to everyone within the next decade – but its arrival will likely bring major disruption to society and the economy.”  (source: Independent UK) 

The Risks and Opportunities of AGI

In my book, I also delved into the potential misuse of AGI by authoritarian regimes, envisioning how AI could be used for surveillance and control on an unprecedented scale. This risk has become an urgent topic in global discussions, with Altman echoing similar concerns. As I highlighted, these ethical dilemmas call for thoughtful regulations to guide AGI development, ensuring that it serves humanity rather than a select few.

Despite these dangers, Super AI remained hopeful about AGI’s role in accelerating scientific breakthroughs and revolutionizing industries. While certain sectors may change little, AGI could drive scientific progress at an accelerated pace—an impact I predict will exceed anything we’ve seen before.

The Need for Global Regulation

As I predicted in Super AI, the rapid pace of AGI development has sparked widespread concern in the tech community. The question of safety and alignment ensuring AI’s goals match human values has yet to be fully addressed. This concern is being echoed by experts, including former OpenAI safety officer Steven Adler, who recently warned about the risks of moving too quickly toward AGI without resolving these crucial issues.

In light of these developments, global regulatory frameworks have become more critical than ever. Leaders in the field, including Altman, are calling for collaborative discussions to create guidelines that balance innovation with the necessary safeguards. The upcoming Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris is expected to be a key moment in this ongoing debate.

A Transformative Future

The future I predicted in Super AI is unfolding now, and it’s clear that the development of AGI is not just a technological milestone it’s a societal one. This transformative era requires careful governance to ensure that the benefits of AGI are spread widely and that its risks are mitigated. As we stand on the edge of this new world, it’s more important than ever to ensure that AGI serves everyone, not just a select few.

If you want to learn more about the rise of AGI and its potential impact on our world, I invite you to read Super AI. My book dives deeper into the technologies, ethical dilemmas, and societal shifts that will shape the future of artificial intelligence.