Foundations seek to advance AI for good and also protect the world from its threats

While technology experts sound the alarm on the pace of artificial-intelligence development, philanthropists – including long-established foundations and tech billionaires – have been responding with an uptick in grants.

Much of the philanthropy is focused on what is known as technology for good or “ethical AI,” which explores how to solve or mitigate the harmful effects of artificial-intelligence systems. Some scientists believe AI can be used to predict climate disasters and discover new drugs to save lives. Others are warning that the large language models could soon upend white-collar professions, fuel misinformation, and threaten national security.