AI Misuse Poses "Extreme Risk", Warns Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has warned that AI misuse poses an "extreme risk" and could do catastrophic harm. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Schmidt cautioned that AI could be weaponized by extremists and "rogue states" such as North Korea, Iran, and Russia to "harm innocent people."
Oversight without stifling innovation
Schmidt urged governments to closely monitor private tech companies pioneering AI research, as they may make decisions based on different values from those of public officials. "My experience with the tech leaders is that they do have an understanding of the impact they’re having, but they might make a different values judgement than the government would make," he stated.
Global divisions around preventing AI misuse
Schmidt also endorsed the export controls introduced under former US President Joe Biden last year to restrict the sale of advanced microchips, aimed at slowing the progress of geopolitical adversaries in AI research.
AI Action Summit and global divisions
The tech veteran made his remarks in Paris, attending the AI Action Summit, a two-day event attended by 57 countries. The summit saw the announcement of an agreement on "inclusive" AI development, signed by major players like China, India, the EU, and the African Union. However, the UK and the US declined to sign the communique, citing a lack of "practical clarity" and failure to address critical "harder questions" surrounding national security.
Prioritizing national and global safety
Schmidt cautioned against excessive regulation that might hinder progress in this transformative field, echoing US Vice-President JD Vance’s warning that heavy-handed regulation "would kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off." The tech leader pointed to the consequences of Europe’s tight regulatory stance, predicting that the region would miss out on pioneering roles in AI.
Conclusion
The AI revolution, which is the most important revolution in my opinion since electricity, is not going to be invented in Europe. In conclusion, without safeguards, AI’s evolution could have unintended – and potentially catastrophic – consequences.
FAQs
Q: What did Eric Schmidt warn about AI misuse?
A: Schmidt warned that AI misuse poses an "extreme risk" and could do catastrophic harm.
Q: Who are the "rogue states" that could misuse AI?
A: Schmidt mentioned North Korea, Iran, and Russia as potential "rogue states" that could misuse AI.
Q: What did Eric Schmidt endorse?
A: Schmidt endorsed the export controls introduced under former US President Joe Biden to restrict the sale of advanced microchips.
Q: What was the outcome of the AI Action Summit?
A: The summit saw the announcement of an agreement on "inclusive" AI development, signed by 57 countries, but the UK and the US declined to sign the communique.
