Given the continued development of AI, it is critical to consider the role that governments should play in the development of AGI. AI is already prevalent in modern technology and science, and the next stage of development in AI is AGI. Where current AI technologies are narrowly focused on specific tasks, AGI would be capable of performing any task that is within the capabilities of the human mind. Furthermore, since most of today’s AI technologies are developed in major research organizations across the world, current laws do not adequately control these intelligent technologies. Due to this, the failure of governments to create regulations regarding the development of AGI would lead to serious consequences for humanity.

The differences between current AI technologies and AGI make the idea of developing AGI without any regulatory controls a dangerous scenario to pursue. Current AI technologies are limited to specific tasks. Should one of those AI technologies make an error in its specific task, the negative impact is limited to that task alone. In contrast, AGI would be able to perform any task, and the error committed by the AGI would impact a number of industries and governments. Additionally, current AI technology is regulated, requiring the technologies to pass quality control tests prior to their release into the general public. AGI, however, would be developed outside of any regulatory controls. Should any task be performed by AGI without oversight, the impact on humanity would be permanent. Failing to create regulations for the development of AGI would leave humanity in a vulnerable state to impacts that go beyond the control of existing technologies.

Beyond the dangers of the technical aspects of AGI are the various dangers that such a technological achievement can pose to society on a global scale. The weaponization of AGI, the use of such intelligence for mass surveillance, and the fact that a few large corporations will have such immense power over the powerless will only increase the dangers of such an innovation. The alignment problem will only create dangerous outcomes for humanity; millions of jobs will be lost creating economic instability for governments and societies alike. Just as the regulation of nuclear and biological technologies on a global scale was recognized as necessary, the same can be said for AGI - the development of such an intelligent technology demands the intervention of the government to mitigate the dangers before they become irreversible.

Governments can establish ethical standards for AGI to ensure that its development is transparent and accountable. Such regulations can establish the acceptable use of AGI, protect the population, and ensure that each nation remains transparent in the development of such technologies. Furthermore, the regulation of different nations and their governments can prevent wars from occurring and prevent arms races that can destroy countries economy.

The development of AGI will be the most significant technological development in human history. As such, the dangers of AGI without ethical standards can result in devastating consequences for humanity. Consequently, the establishment of regulations for AGI is the most responsible step that the governments of the world can take to ensure the safe production of such technologies.