Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has raised concerns about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with blockchain technology. In a recent blog post, he urged developers to proceed with caution, particularly in high-stakes scenarios where significant value is at risk. Buterin highlighted the potential for AI to contribute to prediction markets and other micro-scale activities that are not feasible for humans.
Buterin’s Warning on Artificial Intelligence
Buterin warned of the dangers associated with AI, such as the possibility of a prediction market or stablecoin built with AI tools being compromised, leading to substantial financial losses. He also noted that while AI could enhance cryptocurrency wallet interfaces by explaining transactions and detecting fraud, relying solely on AI might increase the risk of errors.
The risks are particularly pronounced when AI is used to govern crypto systems, Buterin explained, as open-source AI models are vulnerable to targeted attacks by malicious actors. He contrasted this with closed-source AI, which, while more secure due to its opacity, lacks transparency and guarantees of fairness.
Buterin cited Worldcoin, a crypto startup linked to OpenAI, as an example of a closed-source AI tool that uses trusted hardware to prevent unrestricted access to its AI model. He emphasized the challenge of creating a decentralized AI that can be integrated into blockchain and crypto technologies for the benefit of various applications.
In conclusion, Buterin pointed out the potential for fundamental assumptions to fail in the realm of AI and blockchain. He suggests that applications which improve AI functionality and security could mitigate centralization risks, a common concern in this field.