Geoffrey Hinton: The Godfather of AI Warns About Dangers, Calls for Universal Basic Income and Regulation

Geoffrey Hinton, commonly referred to as the “godfather of artificial intelligence,” has expressed concerns about the impact of AI on the job market and its potential dangers. He believes that AI technology could replace many mundane jobs, leading to income inequality as wealth accumulates with the rich. Hinton emphasizes the responsibility of governments to address this issue by implementing policies such as universal basic income, which would provide all individuals with a set basic salary regardless of their circumstances.

Hinton’s concerns extend beyond income inequality to the broader implications of unchecked AI advancement. He believes that AI could evolve to a point where it poses an “extinction-level threat” to humanity, surpassing the intelligence of biological beings and potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. According to Hinton, the possibility of AI technology autonomously making decisions to harm humans is a cause for great concern.

Having previously worked at Google, Hinton has witnessed the potential benefits and dangers of AI firsthand. He warns that chatbots, a form of AI, could become more intelligent than humans and be manipulated by malicious actors. He cautions against the use of AI in the military, highlighting the risks associated with autonomous decision-making that could lead to harmful consequences.

In light of these uncertainties, Hinton urges for greater regulation and oversight of AI development to ensure that its potential benefits are harnessed responsibly. He emphasizes the need for a proactive approach from governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to address the ethical and societal implications of AI technology.