December 19, 2024
The former CEO of Google warns of the danger of advanced artificial intelligence that can control itself.
A senior technology expert expresses concern about this the risks of advanced AI and recommending that platforms consider “turning it off” as it continues to evolve.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt appeared on ABC News This week with George Stephanopoulos on Dec. 15, where he expressed support for the United States to lead the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) race against China, while warning that the rapidly evolving technology must be properly controlled.
“Soon we’ll be able to have computers decide what they want to do,” Schmidt said , you tell the computer. “Know everything and do everything.” And that’s a dangerous point.
“When a system can improve itself, we should seriously consider shutting it down,” he added.
Stephanopoulos asked if an advanced AI tool could avoid someone being able to “turn it off,” to which Schmidt replied,
Schmidt emphasized the role of government in creating safeguards for the development of artificial intelligence, stating that “As long as human values are preserved, and by that I mean democratic liberal values in the classical sense of individual freedom and respect for the individual, we must let’s be good.”
The former head of Google referred to previous beliefs that the US was several years ago China in the AI Race. However, China has closed the gap in the past six months “remarkably,” he said.
“There’s a point where, maybe in the next year or two, systems can start doing their own research,” Schmidt said.
“They’re called AI scientists, as opposed to human scientists. So you go from having 1,000 human scientists to a million AI scientists. I think that increases the tilt when you’re moving at this rate; it’s very difficult for your competitors to catch up.”
“That’s the race,” he added. “It’s important that America wins this race globally, and especially ahead of China.”
Schmidt cited the incoming Trump administration’s expectations to prioritize U.S. competitiveness with China, a focus he described as beneficial.
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