An online signature campaign is calling for the development of artificial intelligence conversation programs, or chatbots, to be paused for at least six months.

A US non-profit organization, the Future of Life Institute, launched the campaign as competition intensifies to develop interactive AI systems.

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, provides answers to questions and writes essays in natural language. IT giants such as Microsoft and Google are also developing similar AI-based software.

The institute's open letter calls for an immediate pause, saying AI labs are locked in an out-of-control race. It cites concerns that human beings risk losing control of their civilization.

The institute says, "Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable."

The campaign has so far collected the signatures of more than 1,300 people, including US entrepreneur Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

The letter says governments should step in and institute a moratorium if such a pause cannot be enacted quickly.