Bronwyn Howell: The Precautionary Principle, Safety Regulation, and AI: This Time, It Really Is Different

Key Points

• Generative pretrained transformers (GPTs)—such as large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Llama—come from a different computing paradigm than do traditional “big data” artificial intelligence models.
• Traditional risk-management frameworks developed from the precautionary principle to address the risks of big data AI models (which current AI regulations are based on) are not well suited to manage GPT risks.
• Using case-based regulation for specific applications rather than generic, overarching regulation is likely a more effective way to manage GPT AI risks.

Ele Ludemann: Old enough to remember

My father was old enough to remember horse drawn fire engines.

He lived to see space exploration become a reality and while he didn’t own a computer or a mobile phone they were becoming common place before he died.

He grew up in a house without a telephone.