Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "godfather" of artificial intelligence (AI), delivered a cautionary message about emerging AI technologies, urging governments to take action against the potential threat of machines gaining control over society.
According to AFP, the renowned AI pioneer, who recently left Google to discuss AI risks openly, emphasized the need for developers to deeply understand and address the possibility of AI overpowering human control.
British-Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'godfather of AI' speaks with technology journalist and CEO of The Atlantic Nick Thompson (R) during the Collision Tech Conference at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on June 28, 2023.
Science Fiction or Fearmongering
At the Collision tech conference in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday, Geoffrey Hinton stressed that the risks associated with AI should not be dismissed as science fiction or fearmongering but rather recognized as real concerns that require proactive solutions.
During his address to an audience of startup founders, investors, and tech professionals, Hinton expressed his belief that there should be a balanced approach to the development of AI.
While numerous talented individuals are striving to enhance AI capabilities, he cited the importance of having equally intelligent minds dedicated to preventing its potential takeover.
Hinton urged the audience to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by AI.
"The wealth isn't going to go to the people doing the work, it is going to go into making the rich richer and not the poorer and that's a very bad society," Hinton said.
AI Inequality?
One significant concern Geoffrey Hinton raised was the potential exacerbation of inequality due to AI's deployment. He cautioned that the gains in productivity brought about by AI would likely concentrate wealth in the hands of the already affluent, further marginalizing workers.
Hinton emphasized the importance of creating a society where the benefits of AI are distributed equitably rather than exacerbating existing social and economic disparities.
Furthermore, Hinton highlighted the issue of "fake news" generated by AI-powered systems like ChatGPT. He expressed the need to develop methods to identify and label AI-generated content as fake, drawing a parallel with how central banks watermark physical currency.
Hinton acknowledged the technical challenges in achieving this but stressed the significance of marking AI-generated content to ensure its credibility and maintain trust in the information ecosystem.
Hinton's call for governments to intervene in AI development echoes growing concerns about the potential risks associated with advancing artificial intelligence.
The Collision tech conference served as a platform for dialogue and reflection, urging the tech community to recognize and address the challenges posed by AI, emphasizing the importance of shaping its future with careful consideration and safeguards in place.
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