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"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

Helen Toner: OpenAI Reflections, Adaptation Buffers, and AI in Warfare

Apr 16, 2025
Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at CSET and author of 'Rising Tide', shares her invaluable insights into AI's development and regulation. She debunks myths about OpenAI's decisions and introduces 'adaptation buffers'—periods needed to prepare for AI's societal impact. The conversation touches on military applications of AI, the complexities of US-China relations, and the urgent need for effective governance to mitigate risks. Toner's reflections reveal the balance between innovation and responsibility in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
01:29:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Helen Toner emphasizes the need for societal adaptation buffers to manage the impacts of rapidly advancing AI technologies effectively.
  • She advocates for greater transparency in AI operations, criticizing misleading reports and highlighting the importance of candid communication from companies like OpenAI.

Deep dives

Helen Toner's Background in AI Policy

Helen Toner, Director at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, has a significant background in AI policy, having started her career in this field in 2016. By the time she joined the OpenAI board in 2021, AI advancements were already notable, with products like GPT-3 making waves in the tech industry. Toner emphasizes the importance of societal preparation for the transformative capabilities of AI rather than focusing solely on restricting access to these technologies. Her insights suggest that a proactive approach is crucial for adapting to AI developments, as they will increasingly shape society.

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