Ben Goertzel, a computer scientist and AI visionary, has been advocating for decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) for over three decades. His early conviction that AI should not be centralized has driven his work, particularly as the world moves closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This article explores Goertzel’s journey, his insights on decentralization, and his current projects aimed at shaping the future of AI.
Goertzel, speaking at the Consensus conference in Toronto, expressed his belief that AGI capable of independent thought and generalization is likely within the next one to three years. This prediction underscores the urgency and importance of his decentralized approach.
His primary project, SingularityNET, is building a decentralized ecosystem for AI services, fostering partnerships with organizations like Mind Network and Filecoin Foundation. They have invested significantly in decentralized AGI infrastructure, including a modular supercomputer, and recently completed a token merger with Ocean Protocol and Fetch.ai to consolidate efforts in the decentralized AI space.
In 2024, Goertzel established the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, the largest open-source initiative focused on decentralized AGI. He positions SingularityNET and the ASI Alliance as leading entities in AGI research and development outside of major tech companies, particularly within the cryptocurrency sphere.
For Goertzel, these initiatives represent a return to his core principles, emphasizing the growing recognition of decentralization as a crucial element in the future of AI.
Why Decentralization Matters for AI
Goertzel’s advocacy for decentralized AI stems from his concerns about the potential for misuse and monopolization of the technology if controlled by centralized entities. He believes that AGI must be decentralized from its inception to ensure that it benefits humanity as a whole.
“In ’93, ’94, ’95, it became clear to me AI should be decentralized,” Goertzel stated, reflecting on his early realization. He developed his first decentralized AI code using an early version of Java and founded his first AI company in 1997.
He observed the internet’s transformation from a decentralized network to one dominated by centralized corporations like Google, Facebook, and Tencent. This shift reinforced his conviction that AI decentralization is vital to prevent similar concentration of power and control.
SingularityNET, Hyperon, and the forthcoming ASI Chain (a modular blockchain designed for decentralized AI) are built on this principle. Goertzel argues that a decentralized approach is crucial for ensuring that AGI serves the interests of humanity rather than concentrated power structures.
“The way the post-AGI period goes may be quite different depending on whether the decentralized ecosystem plays a role in it or not,” he explained, highlighting the potential impact of decentralized AI on the future.
Key Advantages of Decentralized AI, according to Goertzel:
- Prevents Monopolization: Distributes control of AI technology, reducing the risk of a single entity dominating the field.
- Mitigates Misuse: Reduces the potential for AI to be used for malicious purposes by limiting the power of any single actor.
- Promotes Innovation: Encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives, fostering innovation in AI development.
- Ensures Broader Benefits: Aims to ensure that the benefits of AGI are distributed more equitably across society.
Goertzel’s Early Exploration of Decentralized Money
In the 1990s, driven by his anarchist ideals, Goertzel explored the concept of decentralized money. However, he and his colleagues initially dismissed the idea due to concerns about slow and expensive transaction times.
Ironically, Satoshi Nakamoto’s subsequent creation of Bitcoin, the first successful decentralized cryptocurrency, still suffers from similar transaction limitations. Nevertheless, Goertzel acknowledged the ingenuity of Bitcoin’s implementation.
He also jokingly admitted that their early focus was not on the potential use cases of decentralized money for activities like money laundering or online drug sales, referencing the now-defunct Silk Road marketplace.
SingularityNET: A Practical Implementation of Decentralized AI
SingularityNET is a blockchain-based platform that allows AI developers to publish, monetize, and collaborate on AI services. Its key features include:
- AI Marketplace: A platform where users can access and utilize a wide range of AI services.
- Decentralized Governance: Community-driven decision-making through the AGIX token.
- Interoperability: Facilitates the integration of various AI tools and technologies.
- Open-Source Development: Encourages collaboration and transparency in AI development.
SingularityNET aims to create a more democratic and accessible AI ecosystem, empowering individuals and organizations to participate in the development and deployment of AI solutions.
The Future of Decentralized AGI
Goertzel’s vision extends beyond current AI capabilities. He envisions a future where AGI is developed and deployed in a decentralized and ethical manner, benefiting all of humanity. This future involves:
- Ethical AI Development: Prioritizing ethical considerations in the design and implementation of AGI.
- Global Collaboration: Fostering collaboration among researchers, developers, and policymakers worldwide.
- Transparent Governance: Ensuring transparency and accountability in the governance of AGI systems.
- Equitable Access: Promoting equitable access to the benefits of AGI for all individuals and communities.
Ben Goertzel’s unwavering commitment to decentralized AI highlights the importance of considering the ethical and societal implications of AI development. His work with SingularityNET and the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance represents a significant step towards creating a future where AI serves the best interests of humanity.
