As the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to unfold, concerns regarding the limitations and safety measures of this technology are escalating. Researchers are now exploring innovative ways to control and govern AI systems by capitalizing on the hardware they operate on. By integrating rules governing AI training and deployment directly into computer chips, it becomes possible to mitigate the risks associated with AI development. This approach offers an alternative to conventional laws and treaties, presenting a promising solution to prevent the secretive development of dangerous AI by rogue nations or irresponsible companies. In a report published by the influential US foreign policy think tank, the Center for New American Security (CNAS), the concept of utilizing carefully designed silicon is outlined as a means to enforce AI controls and promote responsible development.
Currently, certain computer chips include trusted components that protect sensitive data or prevent misuse. For instance, the latest iPhones have a “secure enclave” dedicated to safeguarding biometric information. Google employs custom chips in its cloud servers to ensure data tampering is minimized. Building upon these existing features, CNAS proposes incorporating similar mechanisms into GPUs, or even designing new components for future chips. These secure chips could restrict AI projects from accessing an excessive amount of computing power without a license. By imposing limitations on computing power, developers of the most powerful AI algorithms, such as those behind ChatGPT, would be controlled, thereby enabling regulators to regulate the construction of highly advanced systems. The issuance of licenses by a governmental or international regulatory body, which can be periodically refreshed, allows for the regulation of AI training by denying new licenses. Consequently, models could be deployed only if they meet specific safety evaluation criteria, ensuring a higher level of accountability and mitigating risks associated with AI development.
AI luminaries and experts acknowledge the potential dangers posed by AI becoming increasingly autonomous and unruly. There is a growing concern that existing AI models could be utilized to develop chemical or biological weapons or automate cybercrime. To mitigate these immediate risks, Washington has already implemented AI chip export controls to restrict China’s access to advanced AI, particularly due to concerns over potential military applications. However, the effectiveness of these controls has been compromised by smuggling and creative engineering solutions. While it may seem extreme to hard-code restrictions into computer hardware, there is a precedent for establishing infrastructure to monitor and regulate significant technologies to enforce international treaties. An example cited by CNAS is the network of seismometers utilized to detect underground nuclear tests, which played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with treaties pertaining to nuclear nonproliferation. These protocols demonstrate that implementing hardware-based restrictions is not unprecedented and can be a viable solution.
The ideas proposed by CNAS are not mere theoretical concepts; instead, they have practical foundations. Nvidia, a leading AI chip manufacturer, already incorporates secure cryptographic modules in its AI training chips, which are vital for developing powerful AI models. Additionally, a demonstration conducted by the Future of Life Institute and Mithril Security showcased how the security module of an Intel CPU could be utilized to create a cryptographic scheme that restricts unauthorized use of an AI model. These successful implementations underscore the tangible potential of integrating AI controls into hardware components.
As AI technology advances, it becomes increasingly crucial to establish mechanisms that govern its development and deployment effectively. The concept of harnessing silicon to control AI systems offers a unique and innovative approach to ensuring responsible use and minimizing potential harm. By encoding rules directly into computer chips, regulators can regulate AI training and deployment, thereby limiting access to excessive computing power and promoting safety evaluations. While concerns surrounding AI’s unruly nature and immediate risks remain, integrating hardware-based restrictions builds upon existing practices to monitor and control crucial technologies. As the realm of AI continues to evolve, the marriage between silicon and AI governance holds the potential to shape a safer and more accountable future for artificial intelligence.
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