Safeguarding Humanity: Occupying AI’s Existential Risks

An occupation campaign to address the existential risk of AI uprising and urge tech companies to support transitions to safer governance systems.

Campaign Idea

“Safeguarding Humanity: Occupying AI’s Existential Risks” is a strategic occupation campaign targeting major technology companies. It seeks to bring attention to the perceived existential risk posed by unchecked artificial intelligence (AI) growth and to foster support for safer alternative systems of governance.

Campaign Description

The “Safeguarding Humanity: Occupying AI’s Existential Risks” campaign involves a series of peaceful occupations in and around the headquarters of major tech companies that are heavily involved in AI research and development. Through these occupations, participants will highlight the potential dangers of an AI uprising and pressure tech firms to consider safer alternative systems of governance that incorporate high-level machine intelligence without posing existential risks to humanity.

Theory for Why This Campaign Will Create Change

Drawing parallels from the 1960s civil rights sit-ins and recent Occupy Wall Street movement, the power of occupation as a form of protest lies in its ability to disrupt business as usual and draw sustained attention to the issues at hand. By occupying tech companies, the campaign will generate media attention, disrupt the daily workings of these corporations, and push them into conversations about the ethical considerations of AI development.

Sample Viral Social Media Post from the Campaign

“Day 10 at the #OccupyingAIsExistentialRisks protest. We stand unified for a safer future, urging AI giants to hear humanity’s call before it’s too late. Join us. #SafeguardHumanity #TechforGood”

Sample Press Release Announcing Campaign to Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Occupying AI’s Existential Risks Campaign Launches - A Call for Safer AI Governance

In the shadow of rapid AI development, a group of concerned activists has initiated an occupation campaign dubbed “Safeguarding Humanity: Occupying AI’s Existential Risks.” The protesters aim to highlight the potential existential risks posed by unchecked AI technology, urging tech companies to embrace safer alternative governance systems.

Story Written in the First Person Perspective

As I sit here on the cold pavement outside the immense, glass-walled edifice of Gigatech Corporation, I can’t help but feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. There’s an eerie silence as we hold our ground, a stark contrast to the hum of innovation that usually reverberates from within these walls. For us, this is more than just a protest, it’s an attempt to reorient humanity’s trajectory.

How Will Opponents to This Campaign Try to Stop It

Opponents, especially the targeted tech companies, might employ media campaigns to portray the protest as misguided fear-mongering. They may also utilize legal measures to disperse the occupations.

How Should Activists Respond to Opponent’s Attempts to Stop It

Activists should maintain their calm and further solidify their cause by showcasing their well-informed stance, emphasizing the scientific consensus on the potential harms of unchecked AI. They should also engage with the media and the public actively and articulately.

What Are the Steps Necessary to Launch the Campaign

1. Begin by forming a core group of dedicated and informed activists.
2. Start fundraising for the campaign’s needs.
3. Design an occupation strategy, including selecting target locations, establishing a schedule for picketing, and determining supplies. Suggestions: Network with other activist groups, organize events, spread the word through social and traditional media, and establish a strong online presence.