Rogue States Could Use AI to Do Harm, Warns Ex-Google CEO
The former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt has pointed out that it is possible for artificial intelligence to be used by countries such as North Korea, Iran, and Russia to cause a significant amount of damage. On BBC Radio 4, Schmidt said that AI could help terrorists and enemy states create biological weapons to kill civilians. Schmidt highlighted fears of extreme risks, pointing to a threat of a “bad biological attack” by malicious actors. “I’m always worried about a situation where a truly evil person can use the modern technology to create a real catastrophe,” he said. He supported the U.S. export controls on AI-related microchips which are meant to constrain the development of adversaries. However, as much as Schmidt is advocating for regulation, he is clear that regulation must be balanced. “Governments must closely monitor the AI development but not over regulate so as not to stifle innovation,” he said. When speaking in Paris after the AI Action Summit, Schmidt was worried about the restrictive approach to AI by Europe, which may leave the continent lagging behind in the global AI competition. However, 57 nations including India and China agreed to a declaration on inclusive AI while the U.S. and U.K. abstained due to national security concerns. In related news, Schmidt supported a ban on social media for children under 16 and more measures to ensure that the growing generation is protected from the digital world’s negative effects.
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