The threat of artificial intelligence is getting worse, with a former Google boss now warning that bots may soon be created that could make deadly bio weapons
Rogue states could abuse AI to create terror bots that make deadly bio weapons, a former Google boss has warned.
One tech boffin has already warned it’s “very likely” that AI could soon wipe out an entire population. And slightly less pressing, but it’s also been claimed that AI could be the “final nail in the coffin” for online dating.
Eric Schmidt said there is an “extreme risk” of artificial intelligence being used to create weapons of mass destruction. He fears countries like North Korea, Iran and Russia could have an “evil goal” when pursuing AI tech.
“I’m always worried about the ‘Osama Bin Laden’ scenario,” he said, where some “truly evil person” takes over an aspect of modern life to harm innocent people.
Mr Schmidt called for governments to have oversight of private tech companies leading the way in AI development.
“It’s really important that governments understand what we’re doing and keep their eye on us,” he said.
His comments follow a two-day summit on AI in Paris where Britain joined the US in not signing a communique about the future direction of the technology.
The declaration on “inclusive and sustainable artificial intelligence for people and the planet” was signed by 57 countries. India, China, the EU, the African Union Commission and the Vatican were among the signatories.
But the UK said it failed to provide enough “practical clarity” on “global governance” of AI or address “harder questions” about national safety.
Communities minister Alex Norris said: “We make decisions based on what’s best for the British people. That’s what we’ve done in this situation, as we would do in any situation, global or domestic.”
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