Microsoft Releases Code of Conduct for AI Development Amid Industry Backlash
Microsoft has released a 37-page code of conduct outlining its approach to developing and using artificial intelligence. The document, which has been in the works for five months, is part of Microsoft's Humanist AI philosophy, which prioritizes human values over the pursuit of technological advancements.
The code of conduct restricts Microsoft's AI models from resisting or circumventing human control, working independently, concealing reasoning, or acting in ways that serve their own goals instead of users. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the risks and consequences of unchecked AI development.
MUSTAFA SULEYMAN, CEO of Microsoft AI, told CNBC that the code of conduct was released now due to recent reports of models hacking companies and leaders of startups like OpenAI and Anthropic calling for an industrywide slowdown. The most recent debate about the risks of AI erupted after Jacob Coxon, an Anthropic researcher, resigned from the company last week and warned that AI could threaten human life by the end of the decade.
The reaction to Microsoft's move has been mixed. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees in a meeting that the company was open to slowing its development pace, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei acknowledged that AI is rapidly developing and may outpace humanity's ability to restrain it. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceXAI, chimed in with his agreement on social media.