The cutting-edge of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is captivating the tech industry and awing customers, but many tech executives, including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak, are worried about the potential dangers of developing more advanced AI. Last month, these two tech luminaries, along with other respected figures, wrote an open letter calling for a pause on developing advanced AI out of fear of consequences for democracy.
Not everyone agrees with the stance though. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, for example, told CBS in an interview with 60 Minutes that AI could soon become more capable than existing technology. But even Pichai admitted that developments in AI kept him up at night, saying that “we don’t have all the answers there yet.” He also urged a more thoughtful approach to the AI space.
Similarly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed his caution on the potential risks of advanced AI tech. When asked about the letter’s call for a pause on developing AI, Altman told The New York Times Hard Fork podcast that he was “a little bit afraid” of AI, but at the same time he empathized with people who were more afraid and suggested some of the points in the letter deserve consideration.
Google’s DeepMind has been at the forefront of AI development and its chief executive, Demis Hassabis, has urged caution when dealing with AI. He told Time that when it comes to powerful technologies like AI, “we need to be careful” and added it was like handling “dangerous material”. Hassabis expressed similar sentiments in an interview with “60 Minutes”, saying AI could potentially become self-aware one day.
The firestorm set afoot by the open letter might have had a sobering effect on discussing the policies and development surrounding advanced AI. But the medium and long-term effects of this call for a pause are yet to be seen.
Elon Musk is a world-renowned entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Tesla and founder of PayPal. His predictions and opinions on AI are often wide-reaching and he famously expressed fear of the technology in 2018. He has since raised his voice in advocating for intelligent regulations of advanced AI. In addition, Musk set up his own AI venture, X.AI, which is still in the works.
Sundar Pichai is the CEO of Alphabet, the technology conglomerate which owns Google. He has spoken about the potential dangers of AI multiple times and has advocated for a slower and more thoughtful approach to the technology’s development.
Sam Altman is the founder and CEO of OpenAI, an AI research lab. He has expressed his “little bit of fear” towards AI but also owns a venture-capital firm, Altman Capital, which invests heavily in AI startups. He also voiced his empathy with people who are “a lot afraid” of advanced AI.
Demis Hassabis is the CEO of DeepMind, an AI research subsidiary belonging to Alphabet. His interviews with Time and 60 Minutes have both made waves, with his calls for caution when it comes to AI being met with both agreement and caution.
