Anthropic is reportedly close to developing a model capable of recursive self-improvement (RSI). This would significantly accelerate AI capabilities.
According to TechCrunch, this is evident from a warning in the financial results report that Anthropic presented this week. Opponents of AI argue that RSI has dystopian implications. The technology could evolve into a system so powerful that it escapes human control and causes unprecedented damage. For AI enthusiasts, however, RSI represents the technology’s greatest promise. For example, the models could enable scientific breakthroughs.
Anthropic appears to consider both potential future effects of RSI. The document states that the company uses AI in its R&D, but it also warns that using AI to develop even better models could pose a safety risk. Anthropic follows a Responsible Scaling Policy. In this policy, the company has established methods to monitor and mitigate risks as recursive self-improvement draws nearer.
Humans remain involved in R&D
Anthropic stated in the publication that none of its models have crossed the RSI threshold to date. The company also promises that humans will remain involved in the R&D process in the near future.
According to TechCrunch, skeptics might point out that a financial report is not only a necessary presentation but also serves as a marketing tool. The claim that Anthropic is close to a model powerful enough to develop itself could very well be a marketing stunt.
Nevertheless, it is clear that Claude’s capabilities, particularly in the areas of programming, mathematics, and cybersecurity, have advanced by leaps and bounds this year. If Anthropic believes that the possibility of RSI is within reach, we may need to take that at face value and act accordingly, for example, through legislation and regulation.