The former CEO of Google, has issued a cautionary statement, highlighting the potential future use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for causing harm and loss of life.

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has issued a warning about the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future. Speaking at a gathering of senior executives, Schmidt expressed his concern that AI could pose an “existential risk” to humanity, resulting in significant harm or even death for many individuals.

He emphasized that as AI advances, it could be misused by malevolent individuals.
Schmidt, who recently chaired the US National Security Commission on AI, is among a growing number of former Google employees publicly expressing their apprehension regarding the rapid development of AI technology.

In particular, he highlighted the growing capability of AI to identify software vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by hackers, as well as its potential to discover new biological pathways that could lead to the creation of dangerous bioweapons.

Schmidt mentioned the possibility of AI systems uncovering “zero-day exploits,” referring to recently discovered security flaws in various systems that have not yet been patched by cybersecurity teams. These exploits are highly sought after by hackers.

Although Schmidt did not elaborate on the specific concerns related to “new kinds of biology” envisioned by maliciously operated AI, he cautioned that the potential risks should not be taken lightly.

The comments from Schmidt contribute to the ongoing debate in Silicon Valley surrounding the ethical implications and potential dangers associated with AI.

Prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and the late Stephen Hawking have expressed grave concerns about AI’s impact, considering it a significant threat to society and humanity, capable of causing catastrophic consequences.

Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned figure in the field of AI and often referred to as the “Godfather of Artificial Intelligence,” sensationally resigned from Google earlier this year, warning that AI technology could disrupt our way of life.

In an interview with the New York Times, Hinton cautioned that AI could flood the internet with fabricated photos, videos, and texts, to the extent that it would be challenging for the average person to discern truth from falsehood.

While there are critics of AI, such as Musk, Wozniak, and Hawking, who believe in its potential risks, there are also proponents like Bill Gates, Sundar Pichai, and futurist Ray Kurzweil who consider AI to be the most important innovation of our time.