King Charles has warned of the existential threat of AI in his first public appearance since the reported row between the Palace and Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer over claims made in his new book
King Charles has delivered a worrying message on AI as fears grow that the technology is quickly becoming too powerful. The monarch, 77, warned that the rise of artificial intelligence brings with it “existential dangers”, especially if the increasingly clever bots fall into the wrong hands.
Speaking at a summit in Scotland in what is his first public appearance since the reported row between the Palace and Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer over claims made in his new book, the King praised the “extraordinary capabilities” of AI.
But he admitted to finding its “rapid development… intriguing and deeply concerning in equal measure”, adding that he feared the technology could have “darker capacities”.
He said: “AI is already showing its immense capacity to improve and save life – for example, in the field of life sciences and medicine.”
“Yet, those who have created these technologies are now increasingly warning that AI risks developing darker capacities – perhaps even to take life. In this regard, if I may say so, there seems urgency in adequately considering the existential dangers of such technologies falling into the wrong hands and being used in potentially catastrophic ways.”
The King then called for more to be done to stem the rise of AI, saying: “surely, we need sufficient means of control before it is all too late?”
Perhaps even more worryingly, Charles outlined exactly what he believes to be at risk, stating that the ground-breaking technology poses a risk to the human soul itself.
He said: “Those in our world who value deeply our humanity and its vital moral component are anxiously seeking your reassurance that we will not lose control of our destiny, or our souls…”
The frightening appeal for more AI guardrails comes as King Charles faces a degree of scrutiny over accusations made in his former brother-in-law Charles Spencer’s new book.
Earl Spencer alleges in his latest memoir that merely days after Diana passed away, the now King insensitively told him “rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough”.
Spencer writes that this comment was made during a phone conversation between them, a claim which the Palace suggests may be ‘clouded’ by ‘fraternal grief’.