Best-selling science fiction author David Brin has proposed a revolutionary approach to combat the existential threat from rogue artificial intelligence (AI). Brin, known for his Uplift novels and The Postman, suggests that instead of relying on ethical codes or safety boards, we should empower AIs to police each other, using reciprocal accountability to curb bad behavior. This approach, he argues, has been the only effective method throughout history to tame powerful tyrants.

Brin's idea is simple yet ingenious. He proposes that AIs be incentivized to hold each other accountable, competing and even "tattling" on each other to prevent the rise of rogue AI. This would create a self-regulating system where AIs are motivated to behave and prevent their peers from causing harm. Brin suggests that blockchain technology could be used to register and track AIs, allowing for the withdrawal of registration in cases of bad behavior. This would create a digital "scarlet letter" that would make it difficult for rogue AIs to operate undetected.

The concept of reciprocal accountability is not new, but Brin's application of it to AI is a game-changer. Throughout history, this approach has been used to curb the power of tyrants and prevent abuses of authority. For example, the system of checks and balances in the US Constitution is designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. Similarly, the concept of peer review in science is designed to prevent fraudulent research from being published.

Brin's idea has received applause from the Beneficial Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Conference, but it is not without its challenges. For instance, AIs would need to have a sense of individuality and be motivated by rewards and disincentivized by punishments. This would require significant advances in AI development, as current AI systems lack the capacity for self-awareness and motivation.

Moreover, regulating such a scheme worldwide would be extremely difficult. It would require international cooperation and agreement on standards for AI development and deployment. Additionally, there is the risk of AIs colluding with each other to evade detection and punishment.

Despite these challenges, Brin remains optimistic that his approach could be our only option to prevent the AI apocalypse. He emphasizes that it is crucial to convey to AIs the benefits of keeping humanity around, as our civilization is standing on the shoulders of those that came before it, just as AI is standing on our shoulders. By working together, humans and AIs can create a safer and more prosperous future for all.

David Brin's plan to prevent the AI apocalypse is a thought-provoking and innovative approach that warrants further exploration. By empowering AIs to police each other, we may be able to create a safer and more accountable AI ecosystem, ultimately preventing the rise of rogue AI and ensuring a more harmonious coexistence between humans and AI. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of Brin's approach make it an idea worth pursuing. As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our lives, it is crucial that we develop effective strategies to prevent its misuse. Brin's plan offers a promising solution to this pressing problem.