Remember that time everyone worried about limiting who could access powerful encryption tools, thinking it would keep bad guys from getting them? Well, it didn't really work. Now, we're seeing the same debate pop up again, this time about cutting-edge artificial intelligence [AI] like Anthropic's new Mythos model.
Mythos is a powerful AI designed to help with cybersecurity, making our digital world safer. The idea is that if we restrict its export, only "good" countries and companies will have it. But history tells us this kind of control is often a bit like trying to stop water from flowing downhill with a colander; it just finds another way. For thirty years, attempts to control the spread of cybersecurity software have mostly failed. The tech always gets out.
So, what does this mean for you? Don't panic, but understand that trying to fence in powerful AI is probably a losing battle. Instead of focusing on who can't have it, we should be thinking about how we can all learn to use these tools responsibly and protect ourselves, knowing they'll be widely available.
The future of powerful AI is already here, and it’s spreading, so let's learn to live with it wisely.