Sit-In for Safe AI: The Existential Risk Campaign
A sit-in campaign aimed at environmental agencies, demanding the establishment of social norms to address the existential risk posed by unbound AI.
Updated July 6, 2023
Campaign Idea
The campaign, “Sit-In for Safe AI: The Existential Risk Campaign,” is a nationwide sit-in at major environmental agencies. The sit-in aims to pressure these agencies to recognize and address the existential risk posed by unbound, superintelligent AI. The campaign looks to foster the establishment of new social norms, where AI development is tightly controlled and governed by ethical and sustainability parameters to prevent adverse impacts on the environment, economy, and human life security.
Campaign Description
The campaign leverages a center-right ideology, emphasizing the need for regulations and policies to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI. Participants will stage peaceful sit-ins at the premises of major environmental agencies across the nation. The sit-ins will underscore the urgency of addressing uncontrolled AI development and its impacts on human life and the environment.
The campaign encourages participants to bring placards, posters, and digital displays illustrating the potential dangers of unchecked AI while promoting messages of ethical and responsible AI use. The campaign’s estimated budget, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, will be allocated towards logistics, promotional materials, and digital media engagement.
Theory for Why This Campaign Will Create Change
Past civil rights movements and environmental campaigns have demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent direct actions, such as sit-ins, in drawing attention to pressing issues and initiating policy changes. By staging sit-ins at environmental agencies, the campaign will highlight AI’s existential risk issue while pressing for the establishment of new social norms regulating AI development and use.
Sample Viral Social Media Post from the Campaign
“Join us in our nationwide sit-in to ensure a safer future! Unchecked AI poses a threat to us all. Show environmental agencies we demand action NOW! #SafeAI #SitInForSafeAI”
Sample Press Release Announcing Campaign to Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ‘Sit-In for Safe AI: The Existential Risk Campaign’ commences a nationwide sit-in at major environmental agencies, raising awareness about the potential risks of uncontrolled AI development. Bringing together citizens and experts, this campaign seeks to foster the establishment of new social norms to ensure AI’s safe and sustainable use.
Story Written in the First Person Perspective
As we sat down on the concrete steps of the Environmental Protection Agency, the air was heavy with determination and solidarity. Our signs bore messages warning of AI’s unchecked advancement, and our voices rang out in unison for the establishment of safe AI norms.
How Will Opponents to This Campaign Try to Stop It
Opponents, such as AI corporations and their proponents, might launch counter-narratives to downplay the risks associated with unbound AI. They may also attempt to discredit the campaign or use legal means to disrupt the sit-ins.
How Should Activists Respond to Opponent’s Attempts to Stop It
Activists should remain committed to peaceful protest and maintain a strong, consistent message. Using factual data, they should debunk counter-arguments and highlight the importance of safe AI usage in ensuring long-term sustainability and safety.
What Are the Steps Necessary to Launch the Campaign
- Assemble a core team for organizational and logistical planning.
- Develop a clear messaging strategy, highlighting the campaign’s goals and the existential risks of uncontrolled AI.
- Identify key environmental agencies for sit-ins.
- Utilize social media and other digital platforms for campaign promotion and participant mobilization.
- Organize the sit-in, ensuring the participants' safety and adherence to non-violent protest principles.
- Post-campaign, disseminate a press release summarizing the campaign’s success and outlining the next steps for policy advocacy.