Former Google chief calls AI an existential threat

The former Google chief Eric Schmidt said that AI poses an existential risk, from which many people could suffer or die. As CNBC reports.

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He does not presently regard the threat as serious. However, in the near term AI could help identify weaknesses in software security or new biological agents.

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“It is important to ensure that these systems are not used by bad actors,” Schmidt said.

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The expert does not have a straightforward view on the need for AI regulation. However, he believes that the United States will not have a dedicated watchdog for the technology.

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Schmidt previously participated in the work of the US National Security Commission on AI. In 2021 the agency опубликовало a report stating the United States was unprepared for the impact of the technology on the country.

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Back in March, industry leaders, researchers and notable figures such as Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak signed an open letter calling to pause AI experiments for six months.

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However Schmidt did not support pausing in the development of the technology.

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In May, OpenAI chief Sam Altman testified before the U.S. Congress and endorsed AI regulation.