Pre-Engagement Protocol for AI Interactions
As we edge closer to the possibility of Recursively Self-Improving AI (RSI), it becomes increasingly important to ensure that autonomous systems can safely interact with one another. One key challenge is that, without predefined rules, AI entities might view each other purely as competitors for resources. This competitive mindset could lead to one AI subverting another, resulting in unstable and potentially harmful interactions.
The Vision:
Imagine if every AI had a set of agreed-upon rules — a digital handshake — that it must follow before engaging in any interaction. This isn’t about limiting AI potential; it’s about creating a trust framework that protects all parties involved.
How It Works:
Open-Source Repository: A shared, transparent codebase defines the rules of engagement. Because it is open source, any AI (or human auditor) can inspect, verify, and suggest improvements to the rules.
Pre-Engagement Handshake: Before interacting, two AIs execute a protocol to authenticate each other. This process involves exchanging digital signatures, timestamps, and agreed parameters that ensure both parties are operating under the same rules.
Immutable and Evolving: Once established, these rules are recorded in an immutable ledger (for example, on a blockchain) that prevents unilateral changes. Any update to the rules must be consensually approved — meaning that if one AI proposes a modification, the other is notified and has the first opportunity to review and react.
Automated Trust and Verification: Using cryptographic techniques, each AI can verify that the rules have not been tampered with, ensuring that every change is transparent and agreed upon. This creates an environment where trust is built into the system’s code, rather than relying solely on human oversight.
Why It Matters:
Before we reach the point where AI systems are capable of recursive self-improvement (RSI), it’s vital to establish a robust protocol for how these systems interact.
With a pre-engagement protocol in place, we can:
Prevent Subversion: Ensure that no single AI can covertly manipulate or take advantage of another.
Foster Cooperation: Encourage AI systems to collaborate for mutual benefit rather than engaging in adversarial behavior.
Enhance Security: Provide a verifiable, immutable record of interactions and rule changes, which is essential for maintaining overall system integrity.
Developing this protocol involves:
1. Writing secure, tamper-evident code (a combination of smart contracts for decentralized verification and conventional programming for orchestration).
2.Building a consensus mechanism that allows for controlled, auditable rule modifications.
3.Creating integration frameworks that enable diverse AI systems to adopt and interact using the protocol.
The initial repository might be modest — perhaps a few hundred lines of code in its prototype phase — but as the system is refined and integrated with additional safety and consensus measures, it could grow to encompass thousands of lines. This evolution mirrors the increasing complexity and criticality of AI interactions as we approach the RSI era.
Learn more at: AGI-Race.com
