A Statement on AI and Ethics

I started Cyber Mouse on the eve of a real shift, and I want to be explicit about how I think about the responsibility that comes with this technology.

In founding this consultancy, I drew on Mo Gawdat's book Scary Smart and accepted three inevitabilities: AI's progress will not slow down. It will surpass human intelligence. Bad things will happen. Recognizing those three truths feels essential to navigating what's coming.

I see the AI revolution as a double-edged sword. It has the potential to be humanity's greatest asset and its most significant challenge. It's like releasing a genie from a bottle: capable of granting any wish, but with a real tendency to misinterpret our words and produce unforeseen consequences. The right response is critical thinking and diverse dialogue, not retreat.

The AI arms race extends past nations and corporations to individuals. Bad actors will exploit these tools. It falls on those of us with good intentions to equip ourselves with the same tools, to counteract potential harm rather than cede the ground.

I'm especially concerned about the immediate impact on creative fields. The potential loss of human essence in the arts is real. Creatives have to strike a careful balance when engaging with AI tools, approaching the intersection with discernment rather than enthusiasm alone.

The foundation of AI technology is rooted in data that's unbalanced and biased, historically and contemporarily, and doesn't fully represent the diverse interests of humanity. History bears witness to the obliteration of entire cultures by those who held the reins of advanced technologies. Each technological advance brings new conveniences and exacts a toll. We have to identify and safeguard the aspects of our humanity worth holding onto.

When used responsibly, AI tools can provide a foundation of extraordinary abundance. As our world transitions, we have to stay vigilant and proactive about the shape it takes.

The future is a black box. The world as we know it will undergo substantial change, and the contours of that change remain unknown. Cyber Mouse will not retreat from the impending singularity. I plan to face it directly, striving to ensure these powerful tools end up in the hands of people committed to shaping a better world.

I'm committed to ethical AI practices. I'll continue to advocate for responsible and informed use of these technologies. I understand the power and potential of AI, and I pledge to use that understanding to contribute positively to our society and our future.

— Patrick Leber, Cyber Mouse CEO