At the TIME100 Summit, two leading artificial intelligence experts, Yoshua Bengio and Eric Schmidt, engaged in a debate about the future of AI. Bengio, an optimist, believes that AI has the potential to transform society, but also warns about the risks of AI potentially leading to extinction if not properly managed. On the other hand, Schmidt is very excited about the possibilities that AI offers.
One of Bengio’s main concerns is the challenge of ensuring that AI systems are used in a way that aligns with societal norms, laws, and values. He emphasizes the need for clarity in how AI is developed and implemented, as scientists currently lack a clear understanding of how to control and regulate AI systems. This lack of understanding could lead to unintended consequences and potential harm to society.
Schmidt and Bengio also discussed the potential conflicts of interest that profit-seeking companies may face when regulating the use of AI. While Schmidt believes that industry leaders are calling for regulation, Bengio points out that companies are ultimately driven by the desire to win in the market, which may overshadow concerns about potential catastrophes caused by AI misuse. Both experts agree that companies need to take action within the next three to five years to address ethical issues related to AI.
Bengio raises concerns about the lack of laws in place to compel companies to secure their AI systems and prevent data theft by malicious actors. He emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly. Schmidt, on the other hand, is more optimistic about Western countries implementing these laws but expresses concerns about institutions outside of their control that may pose a threat.
Schmidt believes that large American companies are under scrutiny and therefore less likely to engage in unethical practices with AI. However, Bengio emphasizes the importance of holding all companies accountable and ensuring that they prioritize ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI. Both experts agree that AI has the potential to bring about significant changes in society, but caution that proper regulations and safeguards must be put in place to prevent potential risks and ensure that AI is used for the greater good.
