AI pioneer calls on world governments to ensure AI safety
(MENAFN) Artificial intelligence trailblazer and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Geoffrey Hinton is calling on world governments to join forces in ensuring AI systems are developed with safeguards to protect humanity. He warned that the pace of technological progress could soon lead to machines exceeding human intelligence, presenting a serious risk if not properly managed.
While addressing attendees at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Hinton acknowledged that geopolitical divisions might make some collaboration difficult. However, he emphasized that no nation desires a future where AI becomes dominant over humans.
He pointed out that global consensus is unlikely on the military or deceptive uses of AI, such as “cyberattacks, lethal autonomous weapons or fake videos for manipulating public opinion.” Despite this, he suggested that countries could still build a “network of institutions” to steer the development of advanced AI toward goals that are not harmful to people. Hinton compared this kind of cooperation to Cold War-era agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union aimed at preventing nuclear catastrophe.
Often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” Hinton described current AI advancement as similar to “raising a tiger cub” — a creature that may eventually become uncontrollable. “There’s only two options if you have a tiger cub as a pet. Figure out if you can train it so it never wants to kill you, or get rid of it,” he said.
He also cautioned that more intelligent AI systems will likely strive for greater influence to accomplish the objectives they’re programmed for. At that point, he argued, simply “turning it off” will no longer be viable. “We will be like three-year-olds and they will be like adults,” Hinton warned.
Later during the event, he told reporters that in theory, “rational” governments should find it relatively simple to work together on AI safety. However, he expressed doubts about the feasibility of such cooperation under “its current administration” in the United States, suggesting that political dynamics may hinder progress.
Just days earlier, the White House revealed a new “action plan” focused on establishing “global dominance” in the AI sector. This strategy involves increasing investment, offering subsidies, and loosening regulatory barriers to speed up the technology’s advancement.
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