Geoffrey Hinton, also known as the “godfather of AI,” has resigned from Google, where he had worked for a decade, to raise the alarm about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). Hinton, who helped develop the foundation of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, new Bing, and Bard, says he could not talk about the risks of AI while being employed at Google. He now warns that AI is progressing at a rapid pace, which may be dangerous for humanity.

AI Progression and Race between Google and Microsoft

With tech giants Google and Microsoft locked in a race to develop and deploy AI, Hinton says that Google was initially acting as a “proper steward” for AI technology, taking a cautious approach to ensure the technology was not rushed to release. However, this changed after the launch of Microsoft’s new Bing search engine, which has spurred Google into a competition that may be impossible to stop. Hinton warns that AI’s rapid growth is “scary” and could lead to unexpected behavior and the spread of misinformation.

Short and Long-term Risks of AI

Hinton’s short-term concern is the potential for AI to spread misinformation, making it difficult for people to distinguish what is true from what is false. In the long run, Hinton worries that AI could affect the job market, replacing jobs like personal assistants and translators.

However, Hinton’s greatest concern is that AI’s enhanced versions might become a “threat to humanity itself” as they learn unexpected behavior from the vast amounts of data they analyze. Companies and individuals may not only allow AI to generate their own code but also run it on their own, leading to the creation of truly autonomous weapons, such as killer robots.

Hinton’s Resignation and Google’s Commitment to Safety

Hinton could not sign an open letter last month calling for a pause on the development of AI, as he did not want to publicly call out Google or other companies working on the technology while still employed there. He resigned in April to be able to speak freely about the dangers of AI.

Hinton stated that he left Google not to criticize his former employer but to talk about the risks of AI without considering how it affects Google. In response to Hinton’s resignation, Google’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, reiterated the company’s commitment to a responsible approach to AI, learning to understand emerging risks while also innovating boldly.

Conclusion

Geoffrey Hinton’s resignation from Google signals growing concern among leading AI experts about the potential risks of AI. While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and enhance productivity, there are also significant risks that need to be addressed.

As the race to develop and deploy AI intensifies, it is crucial that companies take a responsible approach to ensure the technology is not rushed to release, and the risks associated with AI are thoroughly understood and mitigated.