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Alignment

AI Alignment

AI alignment means trying to make an AI behave in ways that match human goals, rules and values.

Explained simply

AI alignment means trying to make an AI behave in ways that match human goals, rules and values.

1Human goals
2Rules and feedback
3AI behaviour
4Safer outcome

At a glance

Category
Safety
Difficulty
Advanced
Introduced
1960s

Real example

A medical AI is designed to avoid giving a diagnosis when it lacks enough evidence and to recommend professional help.

Why it matters

Poorly aligned AI can act in ways people did not intend. Alignment is central to AI safety and responsible use.

Timeline

Origins

The ideas behind Alignment begin developing.

1960s

Alignment becomes a recognised term or technique.

Wider use

Research and practical applications increase.

Modern AI

Alignment becomes connected to newer AI systems and products.

Today

Alignment remains relevant in the safety area of AI.

Dates for broad concepts may describe the period when the idea emerged or became widely used, rather than one exact invention date.

Learn next

Simple infographic

A quick visual way to understand Alignment.

1Human goals
2Rules and feedback
3AI behaviour
4Safer outcome
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