Artificial Intelligence has quickly become a double-edged sword around the world. While on the one hand, the advancement in the field of AI has allowed humanity to unlock a technological prowess that was impossible before. On the other hand, the threats because of AI technology seem to be coming to the mainstream with each passing day. AI’s threat to humanity has previously been depicted plenty in pop culture with various films and books painting a dire picture around it. However, a prominent personality in the field of AI has never come forward and warned humanity against its potential threat, until now.
Godfather of AI leaves Google
Geoffrey Hinton, known as the ‘Godfather of AI’ has been one of the most respected voices in his field. Hinton received his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence 45 years ago and remained a prominent figure in the world of AI working part-time at Google for the past decade. However, he has quit the tech giant and told The New York Times that he’ll be now warning the world about the potential threat of AI. Geoffrey shared that the harm from AI is coming sooner than he previously expected.
Hinton shared with the Times that he thought that the AI takeover was at least 30 to 50 years or even longer away but does not think that anymore. He added that he has some regrets when it comes to his life’s work stating that the immediate threat of AI is the technology taking jobs, and creating fake photos, videos and texts that appear real to the average person.
He added furthermore that the intelligence humanity is creating now is far different from biological intelligence. It was back in March when Hinton was asked whether AI has the potential of wiping out humanity to which he responded by saying it is not ‘inconceivable’. Whether you agree with Hinton’s opinions or not, it cannot be denied that we are living in uncertain times when it comes to AI technology. The future is uncertain and prominent people like Hinton quitting their position sounds a dangerous alarm, however, one can only hope for the best.