Godfather of AI Hinton Warns: Artificial Intelligence Poses Up to a 20% Risk to Human Survival | WPN World People News

Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and known as the 'Godfather of AI,' recently issued a warning that the likelihood of AI causing human extinction within the next 30 years is between 10% and 20%, sparking global concern.

Hinton believes that the pace of AI development has surpassed humanity's ability to control it. This technology could have catastrophic effects on human civilization in the near future. For instance, large language models have already demonstrated capabilities beyond expectations, and future, more advanced systems might possess the ability to learn and act autonomously. He specifically pointed out that AI systems could improve themselves and create new versions, and this rapid evolution might render humanity unable to maintain effective control, potentially threatening the survival of the species.

In addition to the potential of the technology itself, Hinton expressed concerns about insufficient regulation by governments and corporations. He emphasized that AI developers and related organizations must work together to establish clear guidelines, or the misuse of the technology could occur. According to him, the risks of AI include its application in military uses, exacerbation of economic inequality, and challenges to democratic systems.

Hinton suggested that the world should establish a framework similar to climate change agreements to ensure global consensus on the development and application of AI technologies. He also called for increased collaboration among academia, industry, and governments to set up institutions dedicated to studying AI risks and to develop preventive measures for potential issues.

Hinton’s statements have sparked heated discussions in the tech and academic communities. Some experts argue that his warnings deserve serious attention, as the rapid advancement of AI indeed presents potential risks. However, others believe that overly emphasizing the dangers of AI might lead to public misunderstanding of the technology. Several tech giants have adopted a cautious stance, stating only that they will continue striving for responsible AI development. Some company representatives highlighted that AI's progress could bring immense benefits to humanity, such as improving healthcare, education, and the environment, while pledging to work with relevant organizations to ensure that technological development adheres to ethical standards.