Chemical Risks

Risks of AI Scientists: Prioritizing Safeguarding Over Autonomy

Sub-category

Risk Domain

4Malicious Actors & Misuse

4.2Cyberattacks, weapon development or use, and mass harm

Using AI systems to develop cyber weapons (e.g., by coding cheaper, more effective malware), develop new or enhance existing weapons (e.g., Lethal Autonomous Weapons or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives), or use weapons to cause mass harm.

"Chemical risks involve the exploitation of agents to synthesize chemical weapons, as well as the creation or release of hazardous substances during autonomous chemical experiments. This category also includes the risks arising from the use of advanced materials, such as nanomaterials, which may have unknown or unpredictable chemical properties."(p. 6)

Entity— Who or what caused the harm

Human

Due to a decision or action made by humans

AI system

Due to a decision or action made by an AI system

Other

Due to some other reason or is ambiguous

Intent— Whether the harm was intentional or accidental

Intentional

Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal

Unintentional

Due to an unexpected outcome from pursuing a goal