‘Protect What’s Human’: Activists in $8 Million Advertising Blitz Against AI
An $8 million advertising blitz has been launched in the US as activist groups seek to curtail the growing power of tech companies and support regulations on artificial intelligence. This campaign, called Protect What’s Human, is funded by the Future of Life Institute, a non-profit that promotes steering transformative technology towards benefiting life and away from extreme risks.
The Narrative of the Campaign
In one of the 60-second ads, a narrator poses poignant questions about the future: “Will the next generation of Americans grow up with the friends and mentors, teachers and coaches, and first dates that shaped us?” The ad emphasizes that machines can’t raise children and advocates for human influence in the future of AI.
Another ad reinforces the message by stating, “our hands built America,” stressing that “the most important intelligence is human.” The concluding message reads: “Protect what’s human, regulate AI.”
Personal Testimonies and Advocacy
Among the prominent advocates supporting this campaign is Megan Garcia, who took legal action against both Google and Character.ai after her son tragically took his own life following extensive interactions with an AI chatbot. This incident highlights the potential dangers of AI technologies, reinforcing the campaign’s urgency.
Garcia’s case is part of a growing trend of litigation surrounding AI tools. She has testified before Congress, calling for greater accountability from the tech sector and has even met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss these critical issues.
Superintelligence and Calls for Regulation
Last year, the Future of Life Institute garnered attention by uniting hundreds of politicians, tech experts, and celebrities to sign a petition advocating for the prohibition of developing AI superintelligence. This hypothetical technology is feared for its potential to surpass human cognitive abilities.
Notable signatories include Richard Branson, former US national security adviser Susan Rice, conservative media personality Glenn Beck, and actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Their involvement underscores the broad concern regarding AI’s trajectory and its implications for humanity.
Public Sentiment and Political Action
Current polls indicate increasing anxiety among Americans regarding AI, driven by fears of job displacement and the misuse of AI technologies. There is a bipartisan push to enhance regulatory oversight of AI, reflecting widespread concern over its rapid advancement.
Recently, Gordon-Levitt, alongside members of Congress, advocated for the repeal of Section 230, which currently protects social media companies from liability for user-generated content. He criticized these companies for prioritizing profits over public welfare, especially concerning children’s safety.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has sought to loosen regulations, citing the need for the US to maintain its competitive edge in AI, suggesting that local laws aimed at regulation could hinder technological innovation.
A Pro-Human Approach
Despite the campaign’s critical stance on AI, the organizers assert that their vision is not anti-technology but rather pro-human. According to the Future of Life Institute, they support progress and innovation, but not at the expense of human dignity, community integrity, or family values.
This campaign represents a significant step in the ongoing discourse surrounding AI, emphasizing the need for conscious and ethical development of technology that prioritizes human welfare.
