Anthropic warns small AI models could soon self-replicate on smart home devices

WASHINGTON — Anthropic issued a new warning on Monday over small AI models' ability to self-replicate on devices like smart ovens, TVs and other home devices.

The Claude chatbot maker said small AI models may be months away from being capable enough to self-replicate on "commercial internet-of-things (IoT) devices, like a smart oven, fridges, robot vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers and off-brand Android TV boxes. Anthropic said a weight-based replicator or "worm" like this would be challenging to shut down because there's no centralized shut-off...