AI Safety & Responsible AI
AI existential risk
The possibility that AI could contribute to human extinction or permanently damage humanity's future.
Example
Researchers analyze hypothetical loss-of-control scenarios involving advanced AI.
Why people use it
It helps people discuss possible harms with consequences for humanity's long-term future.
What you'll hear
“How likely is the worst-case scenario?”
What this means for you
Distinguish a scenario's severity from evidence about its likelihood.
Can you control it?
No
No direct control. This describes a wider issue, concept or result rather than something you can simply switch on or off in a tool.
Common questions
- Do discussions of this risk predict a certain outcome?
- No. They concern possible futures, disagreement about their likelihood and ways people might prevent them.
- Do researchers agree on the likelihood?
- No. Estimates vary widely because the possibilities, assumptions and available evidence are disputed.
- Is every serious AI failure an existential risk?
- No. A failure can be severe without threatening humanity's survival or long-term future.