British-Canadian computer scientist Professor Geoffrey Hinton has been described by many as the “Godfather of AI” and has just given a shocking prediction of what artificial intelligence could potentially be capable of: to lead to the extinction of humanity as soon as three decades into the future.
Mr. Hinton says that digital changes are happening much quicker than one would have expected, which is unimaginably threatening for humanity. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today program of his deep concern about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence and control.
When you think about it, we have never had to deal with anything smarter than ourselves,” Hinton said. “How often does something less intelligent control something more intelligent? There are very few examples, like a child controlling a mother. But humanity is like a three-year-old compared to advanced AI systems.”
A Frightening Prediction
Hinton, the recent Nobel Prize laureate in physics for his contribution to information technology, has changed the estimates of risks connected with AI. He said earlier that he estimated the chances at 10 percent, that there would be a calamity for the human species. Now he estimates it at 10–20 percent-the proportion of the possibility of human extinction due to AI.Refleecting on the rapid evolution of AI, Hinton said, “I thought it would take much longer for AI to reach this stage. But now, most experts agree we are likely to develop AI systems more intelligent than humans within 20 years—a truly terrifying thought.”
Risk of Uncontrolled Development
Hinton quit Google last year amid concerns about the dangers of unregulated AI development. He warned that bad actors could use AI to cause harm.
The most unsettling of prospects is that of Artificial General Intelligence, or AI systems with greater intelligence than humans in manifold ways. According to Hinton and other experts, unless appropriately constrained, AGI may threaten the survival of human civilization.
A Call for Global Regulation
Hinton calls on governments around the world to work together to regulate AI and ensure that it is developed safely. He blamed a profit motive in the industry, which he said needs oversight. “The invisible hand of the market won’t keep us safe,” he said.
He added, “Regulation is key to forcing firms to put security first when researching AI. Without it, the risks will only grow.”
As the rate of technological development quickens, so does Hinton’s warning about what might go wrong with AI out of control. He says it is time for some mitigation of the risks associated with these new technologies, so that collective action may ensure the future of humanity.
