Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently warned about the potential risks of artificial intelligence. He is particularly concerned that terrorist organizations and "rogue countries" may use AI technology, especially biological weapons manufacturing technology, to cause huge harm to innocent people. Schmidt calls for effective regulation of AI companies to reduce the risk of abuse, but also warns that excessive regulation may kill innovation. He also recommended restricting the export of advanced microchips to certain countries to slow their AI development and expressed concerns about children's excessive use of social media and smartphones, advocating protection of minors.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently expressed his concerns about the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in an interview with the BBC. He noted that terrorists and “rogue states” may use AI technology to endanger innocent people, especially the possibility of making biological weapons.
Schmidt mentioned that countries such as North Korea, Iran and Russia may adopt this emerging technology to commit malicious behavior. He stressed that this technology has progressed rapidly and that anyone with malicious intentions can quickly master and abuse the technology, causing serious harm. He specifically mentioned an "Osama bin Laden" situation, saying that if some evil people control modern technology, it would pose a great threat to innocent people.
Schmidt called for effective government regulation of private tech companies developing AI, believing that this could reduce the risk of technology abuse. However, he also warned that over-regulation could hinder innovation. He said that the future of AI is mainly built by private companies and the government needs to provide appropriate supervision to ensure the safe use of their technology.
Regarding the U.S. export control policy, Schmidt agreed, believing that exports of powerful microchips to certain countries should be restricted to slow the adversary's progress in AI research. He mentioned that former President Joe Biden had restricted the export of microchips to other countries except 18 countries, and this decision may be revoked by Trump in the future.
When talking about the impact of social media and smartphones on children, Schmidt expressed concerns about children’s safety. He believes that while smartphones themselves can be safe, use should be moderately regulated to protect children from the online world. He advocates restricting the use of children under the age of 16 on social media and believes that it is irresponsible to conduct large-scale, uncontrolled experiments on the next generation.
Schmidt's remarks attracted attention at the recent AI Action Summit, and the United States and the United Kingdom refused to sign the agreement, which sparked widespread discussion. He called for a balance between regulation and innovation in AI development and ensuring technological advancement does not harm society.
Key points:
Schmidt is concerned that AI technology may be abused by terrorists and "rogue states" to cause harm to innocent people.
He called on the government to regulate private tech companies while being alert to the possibility of over-regulation suppressing innovation.
The impact on children’s use of smartphones has attracted attention, and Schmidt advocates restricting the use of minors on social media to protect their safety.
Schmidt's concerns reflect global shared anxiety about the rapid development of AI technology and potential risks. How to balance security and innovation is an important issue facing governments and technology companies in various countries, and requires joint efforts from the world to find solutions.