Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of artificial intelligence,” has expressed grave concerns about the rapid advancements in AI technology, emphasising potential human-extinction level threats and significant job displacement. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Hinton warned about the dangers posed by unregulated AI development and the societal repercussions of increased automation.
Hinton underscored the likelihood of AI taking over many mundane jobs, leading to widespread unemployment. He proposed the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI) as a countermeasure. UBI, a system where the government provides a set amount of money to every citizen regardless of their employment status, could help mitigate the economic impact on those whose jobs are rendered obsolete by AI. “I advised people in Downing Street that universal basic income was a good idea,” Hinton revealed, arguing that while AI-driven productivity might boost overall wealth, the financial gains would predominantly benefit the wealthy, exacerbating inequality.
Extinction-Level Threats from AI
Hinton, who recently left his position at Google to speak more freely about AI dangers, reiterated his concerns about the existential risks AI poses. He pointed to the developments over the past year, indicating that governments have shown reluctance in regulating the military applications of AI. This, coupled with the fierce competition among tech companies to develop AI products quickly, raises the risk that safety measures may be insufficient.[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.