Palantir’s CEO, Alex Karp, has a different perspective on halting artificial intelligence research compared to the open letter from the Future of Life Institute, which received support from some of the biggest names in tech.
Over 31,000 people, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, have signed the letter, urging a break in AI research for models larger than GPT-4, the engine behind tools like ChatGPT. The letter also suggests that if a pause isn’t feasible, governments should step in and enforce a moratorium.
In a BBC Radio interview aired on Thursday, Karp expressed his belief that many of those calling for a pause are doing so because they lack a viable product. He insinuated that these individuals have nothing to contribute to AI research, and pausing would only give rivals a chance to outpace them in both commercial and military applications.
Karp believes that halting AI research would simply allow others to gain the upper hand in both business and the battlefield an unwise strategy, in his opinion. When asked if he was advocating for an AI race similar to the Cold War’s arms race, Karp clarified that an AI arms race is already underway, with the advantage currently in their favor. Slowing down would not halt this race.
He emphasized that the most crucial aspect of this race isn’t large language models like GPT-4, but rather the application of AI in military settings. Karp highlighted how Ukraine has utilized Palantir’s technology to gain an edge over the invading Russian forces. As reported by The Times in December 2022, Palantir’s AI has enabled Ukraine to enhance the accuracy, speed, and lethality of their artillery strikes despite having smaller artillery forces. Palantir provides software to governments and private sector organizations that assists them in analyzing vast amounts of data.
Karp contends that the introduction of AI-powered software in warfare is a challenge to every country, particularly their adversaries, who cannot afford to let them maintain this advantage. Thus, the race is on – the only question is whether they can stay ahead or relinquish their lead.
