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The Foresight Institute Podcast

Existential Hope Podcast: Helen Toner | Who gets to decide AI’s future?

May 2, 2025
Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown’s CSET and former OpenAI board member, dives into the intricate world of AI governance. She discusses who truly shapes AI’s future, emphasizing the power struggles between the U.S. and China. The talk highlights the urgent need for transparent policies and international cooperation amidst rising tensions. Toner also explores the distinctions between different types of AI and champions the idea of existential hope, proposing proactive approaches to harness AI for solving global challenges like climate change and disease.
20:49
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Episode guests

Helen Toner

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The current AI governance landscape shifts focus from technical aspects to vital policy development, highlighting the need for stakeholder consensus on risks and capabilities.
  • Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, complicate AI governance efforts, suggesting a need for informal coordination over traditional binding agreements.

Deep dives

Current State of AI Governance

The current landscape of AI governance is characterized by a shift from technical focus to increased policy attention, particularly after the rise of tools like ChatGPT in late 2022. Policymakers have become more engaged in addressing the complexities of AI, yet many critical governance frameworks remain underdeveloped, especially in the U.S. There is a notable divide in perspectives regarding the trajectory and risks associated with AI advancements, with some believing that technology will evolve rapidly and dangerously, while others view a slower and less harmful progression. The emphasis now is on fostering agreement among stakeholders about the capabilities and risks of AI systems, as establishing a common understanding is vital for any effective governance strategy.

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