The technology industry has largely moved away from warnings about catastrophic AI risks in 2024, focusing instead on practical applications and business opportunities. According to Maxwell Zeff’s report in TechCrunch, this shift was led by prominent Silicon Valley figures like Marc Andreessen, who actively promoted a more optimistic vision of AI development.
The change came despite previous warnings from tech leaders about AI’s potential dangers, including open letters signed by Elon Musk and leading scientists. California’s AI safety bill SB 1047, which aimed to prevent AI-related catastrophic events, was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom after significant opposition from venture capitalists and tech companies.
The year saw record AI investments and the development of new AI products, while safety concerns were increasingly dismissed as unrealistic. Notable developments included OpenAI’s continued expansion despite internal conflicts over safety protocols, and the incoming Trump administration’s plans to repeal Biden’s AI executive order. Industry leaders argued that rapid AI development with minimal regulation would better serve innovation and competition with China, though critics pointed out this approach also aligned with their financial interests.