Microsoft, Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI launch Frontier Model Forum

Microsoft, Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI have jointly announced the formation of the Frontier Model Forum. It will be an industrial body dedicated to ensuring the safe and responsible development of frontier AI models. 

The forum is being created by these tech giants to ensure safety from the potential risk possessed by AI. In today's world, artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving. Companies and businesses are highly relying upon advanced AI models to drive innovation and growth. In terms to address the challenges posed by AI and ensuring its responsible application, the companies have unitedly decided to form this Frontier Model Forum.

“We’re excited to work together with other leading companies, sharing technical expertise to promote responsible AI innovation. Engagement by companies, governments, and civil society will be essential to fulfill the promise of AI to benefit everyone,” said Kent Walker, President, of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet.

“Advanced AI technologies have the potential to profoundly benefit society, and the ability to achieve this potential requires oversight and governance. AI companies – especially those working on the most powerful models – must align on common ground and advance thoughtful and adaptable safety practices to ensure powerful AI tools have the broadest benefit possible. This is urgent work and this forum is well–positioned to act quickly to advance the state of AI safety.”  said Anna Makanju, Vice President of Global Affairs, at OpenAI.

The primary objectives of the forum include:

• Advancing AI safety research
• Identifying best practices for the development and deployment of frontier models
• Collaboration with policymakers and civil society
• Supporting initiatives that leverage AI to tackle societal issues.

Who can join the Frontier Model Forum?

Membership in the Frontier Model Forum is open for organizations that can develop and deploy frontier models, demonstrate a strong commitment towards safety, and are willing to contribute to the forum’s initiatives. Looking into the primary objectives of the forum it is seen that it is focused on three key areas:

• Identifying best practices
• Advancing AI Safety Research
• Facilitating information sharing among companies and governments

The founding firms will build institutional arrangements, including a charter and governance, to steer these initiatives, and an Advisory Board will be established to direct the forum's strategy and priorities. The forum also intends to interact with currently active multilateral and governmental projects, such as the OECD's work on AI norms and dangers and the G7's Hiroshima process.

Conclusion

The Frontier Model Forum is an important step towards encouraging ethical AI development and guaranteeing that potent AI capabilities benefit mankind while remaining under human control. Hence, to advance the level of AI safety and promote a safe and responsible AI ecosystem, businesses, governments, civil society, and academia are invited to work together.