You'd better watch out: 'SantaNet' could destroy the world

WITHIN the next few decades, according to some experts, we may see the arrival of the next step in the development of artificial intelligence. So-called "artificial general intelligence", or AGI, will have intellectual capabilities far beyond those of humans.

AGI could transform human life for the better, but uncontrolled AGI could also lead to catastrophes up to and including the end of humanity itself. This could happen without any malice or ill intent: simply by striving to achieve their programmed goals, AGIs could create threats to human health and well-being or even decide to wipe us out.

Even an AGI system designed for a benevolent purpose could end up doing great harm.

As part of a programme of research exploring how we can manage the risks associated with AGI, we tried to identify the potential risks of replacing Santa with an AGI system - call it "SantaNet" - that has the goal of delivering gifts to all the world's deserving child…

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