AI, AGI, governance and tech power with Connor Leahy

Technology and Security

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Connor Leahy, CEO of Conjecture. This episode unpacks the transformative potential of AI and AGI and need for responsible, global governance, drawing parallels to historical successes in treaties for ethical science practices, such as the moratorium on human cloning. It covers the current and potential impacts of AI monopolisation and centralisation of power and what AGI could mean, if achieved. The episode also explores the different risk profile complex cyber and cyber physical systems present for kinetic warfare.

This episode offers a deeply considered perspective on how to steer emerging technologies toward an inclusive, secure and human-centred future. It considers interdependencies in AI development, including the need for more recognition by technologists of the social and political implications of advanced AI systems. The conversation covers the California Governor’s veto of SB 1047, a bill designed to hold companies accountable for AI-caused catastrophic damage, and the necessity for international AI safety frameworks.

Connor Leahy is the cofounder and CEO of conjecture, an AI control and safety company. Previously, he co-founded EleutherAI, which facilitated early discussions on the risks of LLM-based advanced AI systems. He’s also a prominent voice warning of AI existential threats. He recently coauthored ‘The Compendium’ which aims to explainin the race to AGI, extinction risks and what to do about them, in a way that is accessible to non-technical readers who have no prior knowledge about AI.