‘There’s a non-zero chance’ of AI wiping out humanity
Elon Musk and Eric Schmidt, two of the most prominent tech leaders, have recently raised concerns about the potential dangers of rogue advanced artificial intelligence. Schmidt has argued that AI poses an “existential risk” to humanity, as it becomes increasingly advanced in the coming years. Musk compared the potential risks to the doomsday scenario from James Cameron’s 1984 sci-fi film “Terminator.” The tech leaders have suggested that AI could be misused by “evil people” and even possibly lead to “annihilating humanity.” While Musk has advocated for a pause on advanced AI products until proper safety measures can be put in place, Schmidt has warned against such a delay, stating that it would simply benefit international rivals like China. Musk and Schmidt will continue to make the case that the development of AI needs to be done cautiously and with appropriate guardrails in place.
FAQs:
What is the concern about rogue advanced artificial intelligence?
Elon Musk and Eric Schmidt are concerned that rogue advanced artificial intelligence could be misused by “evil people” and even lead to “annihilating humanity.” They suggest that AI poses an “existential risk” to humanity.
What is the solution proposed?
While Musk has advocated for a pause on advanced AI products until proper safety measures can be put in place, Schmidt has warned against such a delay, stating that it would simply benefit international rivals like China. Musk and Schmidt will continue to make the case that the development of AI needs to be done cautiously and with appropriate guardrails in place.
What are the potential risks of AI?
The risks of AI include the spread of “propaganda and untruth,” major job losses, and even the possible “loss of control of our civilization.” Furthermore, bad actors might use AI to sow chaos.
What is the current stance of AI governance?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called for regulations governing AI companies and products. While Musk and Schmidt advocate for caution in AI development, they differ on the need for a pause on advanced AI products. Musk has suggested the development of appropriate guardrails, while Schmidt warns against delays that would benefit international rivals.

AI has a possibility, however small, of eradicating humanity.
Two of the world’s most prominent tech leaders, billionaire Elon Musk and ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, have issued warnings about the potential dangers of rogue advanced artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit, Schmidt stated that AI is an “existential risk” that could harm “many, many, many, many people” as it continues to evolve. Musk compared the risks to those depicted in James Cameron’s sci-fi film “Terminator,” warning of the possibility of an AI system seizing control of the world’s computing and weapon systems. While both leaders urge caution in the development of AI, they have differing approaches to tackling the problem. Musk called for a six-month pause on advanced AI products earlier this year, while Schmidt argues against such a delay.