During a conversation with Cointelegraph at Token2049, Michael Heinrich, the CEO of 0G Labs, shared his insights on the substantial risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) if it isn’t paired with blockchain technology. Heinrich underscored the perils of relying on centralized AI systems and advocated for decentralized governance to mitigate the potential misuse of AI in critical societal sectors.
### Decentralization as a Remedy
Heinrich articulated that one of the key benefits of blockchain technology is its capacity to enhance the transparency and accountability of AI systems. He elaborated on how decentralized AI facilitates independent verification of actions performed by AI agents. This transparency, he noted, could deter AI systems from making unrestrained decisions that might lead to significant repercussions in fields like logistics, administration, and other automated industries.
### Centralized AI: A Cause for Concern
A major worry for Heinrich is the danger posed by centralized AI systems, which could evolve to operate independently of human oversight, such as in the case of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He stressed that without blockchain as a governance framework, these AI systems could potentially become self-governing entities, stripping transparency from their decision-making processes.
### 0G Labs Secures $35 Million for Onchain AI Development
On March 25, 0G Labs announced the successful conclusion of a $35 million pre-seed funding round aimed at developing its modular onchain AI solution. This funding round attracted investments from over 40 crypto-focused institutions, including Hack VC and Blockchain Builders Fund, all contributing to the construction of a comprehensive blockchain AI training and operations platform.
In the interview on September 18, Heinrich expressed that 0G Labs aims to “build abundance into the system,” asserting that “the only way to achieve this is through the utilization of blockchain.”