International AI Safety Report

January 30, 2025

The International AI Safety report, released in 2025, outlines critical challenges associated with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies. This comprehensive document addresses various threats, including job displacement, environmental impact, and security risks. The report stems from discussions held during the 2023 global AI safety summit..

Job Market Implications

The report warns of deep impacts on the labour market due to AI advancements.
General-purpose AI could automate numerous tasks, leading to job losses.
Economists suggest that while many jobs may disappear, new roles could emerge in sectors untouched by automation.
Approximately 60% of jobs in advanced economies are susceptible to AI disruption.
Estimates indicate that up to 3 million private-sector jobs in the UK could be displaced, although the net rise in unemployment may be lower due to new job creation.

Environmental Concerns

AI’s environmental footprint is described as a moderate yet growing issue.
Data centres, essential for AI operations, contribute about 1% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
As AI models become more advanced, their energy consumption increases, raising concerns about reliance on high-carbon energy sources.
The report indicates that water usage for cooling in data centres poses a substantial environmental threat.
However, limited data exists on AI’s overall environmental impact.

Loss of Control

A concern is the potential for AI systems to escape human control.
Opinions vary widely among experts regarding the likelihood of this scenario.
While some view it as implausible, others consider it a serious risk.
Current AI agents lack the long-term planning capabilities necessary to completely evade safety guidelines or replace human jobs en masse.
The report suggests that AI’s ability to plan over extended periods is crucial for maintaining control.

Bioweapons Development

The report marks the alarming capability of AI models to create detailed instructions for developing pathogens and toxins.
Although these models may surpass traditional expertise, uncertainty exists about their accessibility to novices.
The document notes advancements in AI that could assist in operationalising known biological threats, raising concerns about biosecurity.

Cybersecurity Threats

AI presents new challenges in cybersecurity, particularly through autonomous bots that can identify vulnerabilities in open-source software. However, current AI systems are not yet capable of executing attacks independently. This limitation reflects the ongoing development of AI technologies and their potential misuse.

Deepfake Technology

The report addresses the misuse of deepfake technology, including financial fraud and the creation of harmful digital content.
Insufficient data on deepfake incidents complicates the understanding of their impact. Many institutions and individuals hesitate to report deepfake-related issues, hindering efforts to address the challenges posed by this technology.

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