Beyond ‘Basic’ AI-Animal Alignment

Abstract In their article ‘AI Alignment: The Case for Including Animals’, Tse et al. compellingly argue for extending alignment endeavours beyond humans to also protect sentient animals. They call for AI alignment with a ‘basic’ level of animal welfare. Since ‘basic’ alignment carries minimal human cost, they argue, it can be widely accepted and is thus currently more strategically appropriate than is pursuing advanced or ideal alignment with animal welfare. This commentary paper argues that ‘basic’ AI alignment for animals is sometimes insufficient. It makes the case that going beyond basic AI-animal alignment is both feasible and morally required in a variety of circumstances.