The power of intelligence is a double-edged sword. Who will wield it and how will they control it? These are the questions raised by one of the leading figures in the world of artificial intelligence, Yoshua Bengio.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Bengio, a pioneer in the field of AI, expressed his concerns about the potential dangers of this rapidly advancing technology. He warned that not only could AI itself pose a threat to society, but the individuals in charge of it could also be a cause for concern.
According to Bengio, there exists a group of tech elites who see AI as a means to replace humans altogether. This “fringe” group, as he calls it, poses a significant risk if left unchecked. Along with other prominent AI researchers, Bengio has been vocal about the need to address the potential risks associated with AI in an open letter known as the “Right to Warn.”
“Intelligence gives power. So who’s going to control that power?” Bengio asked during the One Young World Summit in Montreal. He emphasized the importance of establishing safeguards to prevent the abuse of AI technology and the potential consequences of allowing it to fall into the wrong hands.
Furthermore, Bengio highlighted the financial implications of AI, noting that the cost of developing AI systems runs into billions of dollars. This financial power, he believes, could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few organizations and countries, with far-reaching implications for markets, democracy, and global stability.
While the debate continues among experts about the feasibility of achieving artificial general intelligence, Bengio stressed the urgency of establishing regulations before it’s too late. Without proper safeguards in place, he warned, the consequences could be dire.
As someone who played a pivotal role in the development of AI, Bengio’s warnings carry significant weight. It’s clear that the potential benefits of AI come with equally significant risks, and it’s up to us to ensure that we navigate this new frontier responsibly.
