Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been identified as a potential existential risk by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Schmidt expressed concerns about the misuse of AI by malevolent individuals, emphasizing the need for governments to understand and address these risks. Speaking at The Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit in London, Schmidt stated that existential risk refers to the possibility of numerous people being harmed or killed due to AI-related incidents.
Schmidt acknowledged the ongoing discussions among technologists and policymakers regarding the future of AI and its regulation. The development and deployment of AI technologies have gained significant attention, with various major companies worldwide seeking to introduce their own AI products and promote their capabilities.
During the summit, Schmidt highlighted the need for preparedness in dealing with AI's potential risks. He envisioned a future where AI systems could exploit zero-day vulnerabilities in cybersecurity or make unprecedented biological discoveries. While these possibilities might seem like fiction today, Schmidt believes they could become a reality in the near future. Consequently, it is crucial to establish measures that prevent the misuse of such powerful technologies by those with nefarious intentions.
Zero-day exploits are a type of security vulnerabilities that are discovered by individuals with malicious intent. These vulnerabilities target weaknesses in software and systems, providing hackers with an advantage as they exploit the flaws before developers have a chance to fix them. Schmidt emphasized the critical need to address and rectify these vulnerabilities to guarantee the safety and security of AI systems. By proactively identifying and addressing zero-day exploits, the potential risks and threats posed by hackers can be mitigated, ensuring the integrity and protection of AI technologies..
Schmidt refrained from offering a definitive position on the regulation of AI but acknowledged that it is a matter that extends beyond individual perspectives. He voiced doubts regarding the feasibility of creating a specialized regulatory body in the United States with a sole focus on AI.
Schmidt's concerns about the risks of AI echo sentiments expressed by other influential figures in the technology industry. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has admitted to being somewhat afraid of AI, particularly fearing its misuse by authoritarian governments. Similarly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized AI's potential as one of the "biggest risks" to humanity.
Sundar Pichai, the present CEO of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges the profound influence of AI. Having recently overseen the introduction of the company's chatbot, Bard AI, Pichai firmly believes that AI will have a pervasive impact on all industries. He emphasizes the necessity for society to adequately prepare for the forthcoming advancements and changes in AI technology.
Schmidt's involvement in the National Security Commission on AI in the United States further highlights the significance of the issue. In 2019, the commission initiated a comprehensive review of AI technology, focusing on the potential regulatory frameworks necessary to govern its development and deployment. The commission's subsequent report in 2021 warned that the United States was ill-prepared for the era of AI, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures and adequate preparation.
As AI continues to rapidly advance, the regulation of this technology becomes increasingly crucial. Scholars, technologists, and policymakers are engaged in ongoing discussions to shape the future of AI and address the potential risks associated with its widespread adoption. Schmidt's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the ethical implications of AI and the necessity of responsible governance to ensure its safe and beneficial utilization.
H/T: CNBC / Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images
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Schmidt acknowledged the ongoing discussions among technologists and policymakers regarding the future of AI and its regulation. The development and deployment of AI technologies have gained significant attention, with various major companies worldwide seeking to introduce their own AI products and promote their capabilities.
During the summit, Schmidt highlighted the need for preparedness in dealing with AI's potential risks. He envisioned a future where AI systems could exploit zero-day vulnerabilities in cybersecurity or make unprecedented biological discoveries. While these possibilities might seem like fiction today, Schmidt believes they could become a reality in the near future. Consequently, it is crucial to establish measures that prevent the misuse of such powerful technologies by those with nefarious intentions.
Zero-day exploits are a type of security vulnerabilities that are discovered by individuals with malicious intent. These vulnerabilities target weaknesses in software and systems, providing hackers with an advantage as they exploit the flaws before developers have a chance to fix them. Schmidt emphasized the critical need to address and rectify these vulnerabilities to guarantee the safety and security of AI systems. By proactively identifying and addressing zero-day exploits, the potential risks and threats posed by hackers can be mitigated, ensuring the integrity and protection of AI technologies..
Schmidt refrained from offering a definitive position on the regulation of AI but acknowledged that it is a matter that extends beyond individual perspectives. He voiced doubts regarding the feasibility of creating a specialized regulatory body in the United States with a sole focus on AI.
Schmidt's concerns about the risks of AI echo sentiments expressed by other influential figures in the technology industry. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has admitted to being somewhat afraid of AI, particularly fearing its misuse by authoritarian governments. Similarly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized AI's potential as one of the "biggest risks" to humanity.
Sundar Pichai, the present CEO of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges the profound influence of AI. Having recently overseen the introduction of the company's chatbot, Bard AI, Pichai firmly believes that AI will have a pervasive impact on all industries. He emphasizes the necessity for society to adequately prepare for the forthcoming advancements and changes in AI technology.
Schmidt's involvement in the National Security Commission on AI in the United States further highlights the significance of the issue. In 2019, the commission initiated a comprehensive review of AI technology, focusing on the potential regulatory frameworks necessary to govern its development and deployment. The commission's subsequent report in 2021 warned that the United States was ill-prepared for the era of AI, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures and adequate preparation.
As AI continues to rapidly advance, the regulation of this technology becomes increasingly crucial. Scholars, technologists, and policymakers are engaged in ongoing discussions to shape the future of AI and address the potential risks associated with its widespread adoption. Schmidt's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the ethical implications of AI and the necessity of responsible governance to ensure its safe and beneficial utilization.
H/T: CNBC / Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images
Read next: Survey Finds Majority of Parents Concerned About Negative Impact of Social Media Image Editing Apps and Filters on Children’s Body Image
