March 4th, 2025

The Government Knows AGI Is Coming

Experts predict artificial general intelligence (AGI) may emerge in two to three years, urging the U.S. to prepare for its implications on labor, security, and international competition, especially with China.

Read original articleLink Icon
The Government Knows AGI Is Coming

The discussion surrounding the imminent arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI) has intensified, with experts predicting its emergence within the next two to three years. Ben Buchanan, a former AI advisor in the Biden administration, emphasizes the need for the U.S. government to prepare for the profound implications of AGI, which could surpass human capabilities in various cognitive tasks. The potential impact on labor markets, national security, and international competition, particularly with China, is significant. Buchanan warns that the U.S. must maintain its leadership in AI to shape its development positively, as the technology is not only revolutionary but also poses risks if mismanaged. The conversation highlights the urgency for policymakers to understand and address the challenges posed by AGI, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the ethical implications of advanced AI systems. As AI technology evolves, it is crucial for the U.S. to engage in international cooperation while ensuring its own security and technological preeminence.

- Experts predict AGI could emerge within two to three years, surpassing human cognitive abilities.

- The U.S. government needs to prepare for the implications of AGI on labor markets and national security.

- Maintaining leadership in AI is essential for the U.S. to shape its development and mitigate risks.

- There are significant concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities as AI capabilities advance.

- International cooperation on AI safety is necessary, but the U.S. must prioritize its own technological security.

Link Icon 2 comments
By @_mitterpach - about 2 months
Relevant excerpt:

[Ben Buchanan]: A canonical definition of A.G.I. is a system capable of doing almost any cognitive task a human can do. I don’t know that we’ll quite see that in the next four years or so, but I do think we’ll see something like that, where the breadth of the system is remarkable but also its depth, its capacity to, in some cases, exceed human capabilities, regardless of the cognitive discipline —

[Ezra Klein]: Systems that can replace human beings in cognitively demanding jobs.

[Steve]: Yes, or key parts of cognitive jobs. Yes.

The interview was really interesting, and it's very revealing to see what's in the head of somebody advising on the future policy. That said, most policy-making actors have some kind of stake in the results. That should probably be kept in mind when looking at the narrative that's coming out.

By @flipgimble - about 2 months