A leading scientist and AI activist has raised concerns that big tech companies have successfully diverted attention from the existential risks that artificial intelligence still poses to humanity.
Speaking at the AI Summit in Seoul, South Korea, Max Tegmark emphasized the need for stricter regulations on developers of powerful AI programs, warning of the potential dangers if left unaddressed.
Tegmark, trained as a physicist, drew parallels to the development of nuclear technology, highlighting the urgency of addressing AI safety risks before they escalate beyond control.
He pointed out that the AI community, including prominent figures like Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, is increasingly alarmed about the risks posed by advanced AI models.
Despite calls for a temporary halt on advanced AI research by Tegmark’s Future of Life Institute, regulatory efforts have not prioritized existential risks, leading to concerns about the influence of industry lobbying.
While progress has been made in the field of AI regulation, Tegmark believes that downplaying serious risks is counterproductive and could delay crucial safety measures.
He urged governments to establish universal safety standards for AI development to ensure the responsible and ethical advancement of AI technology.
Source: www.theguardian.com
