An open letter released by Future of Life institute has called on all artificial intelligence (AI) labs to immediately pause the training of powerful AI systems for at least six (6) months. The letter has been signed by experts in the field, influential researchers, leaders, and top executives, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak. It’s believed that the necessary planning, management, and care has not taken place in the development of AI, a powerful technology that not even the creators are fully able to understand, predict, or control. A reckless and naïve attitude has the potential to foster uncontrolled job automation, AI powered cyberattacks, and the relentless spread of disinformation and deepfakes. The letter addresses these growing concerns and potential risks that AI poses to human civilization, highlighting that the next few months of AI development will fundamentally dictate the course of history and our fate as a species. The objective of the letter isn’t intended to totally halt AI. Instead, researchers and developers should use this period of AI down-time to come together and formulate standardized safety protocols, build strict oversight, and heighten confidence to ensure that this emerging technological advancement can be used for the greater benefit and flourishment of human civilization rather than its demise.