If you take recent statements by some artificial intelligence (AI) executives at face value, they’re demanding that governments stop them before they destroy the world as they call for regulation and oversight. It’s a curious position for innovators who have made grand claims about their products’ potential and who could, presumably, simply drop their efforts if they believe the risks outweigh the benefits. Their position seemingly ignores the reality that, if they get their way, dissenters will almost certainly move their highly mobile work to jurisdictions that maintain a light regulatory touch. But it all makes more sense when you remember that established businesses have a history of asking politicians to impose red tape burdens that pose barriers to entry for upstart competitors. Read More