When an open letter from the “Future of Life Institute” (FLI) appeared at the end of March, calling for the pause in AI development, there was great excitement. After all, the more than 2,800 signatories include tech giants such as Elon Musk, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Stability AI boss Emad Mostaque. They note that advanced AI “would represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth” and should be planned “with due care”.