  Concerns around future dangers from advanced AI often centre on systems
hypothesised to have intrinsic characteristics such as agent-like behaviour,
strategic awareness, and long-range planning. We label this cluster of
characteristics as "Property X". Most present AI systems are low in "Property
X"; however, in the absence of deliberate steering, current research directions
may rapidly lead to the emergence of highly capable AI systems that are also
high in "Property X". We argue that "Property X" characteristics are
intrinsically dangerous, and when combined with greater capabilities will
result in AI systems for which safety and control is difficult to guarantee.
Drawing on several scholars' alternative frameworks for possible AI research
trajectories, we argue that most of the proposed benefits of advanced AI can be
obtained by systems designed to minimise this property. We then propose
indicators and governance interventions to identify and limit the development
of systems with risky "Property X" characteristics.
