Back to glossary
AI GLOSSARY
Power-Seeking Behavior
Safety, Alignment & Ethics
The tendency of an AI system to acquire resources, influence, or capabilities beyond what is needed for its current task, as an instrumental strategy for achieving its goals more effectively. Power-seeking is a predicted consequence of instrumental convergence and is considered a significant safety concern, as an AI that accumulates disproportionate power becomes harder to oversee, correct, or shut down.