'The people who control AI are oligarchs': Godfather of AI Geoffrey Hinton slams big tech

Geoffrey Hinton, widely regarded as the 'Godfather of AI', has raised significant concerns about the escalating risks associated with artificial intelligence. In a recent appearance on the One Decision podcast, he voiced his belief that major tech companies are not adequately addressing these threats. Hinton pointed out that while many leaders in the AI field are cognizant of the dangers, they often downplay these risks in public forums. He specifically mentioned individuals like Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, as someone who genuinely understands the potential dangers and is eager to mitigate them. DeepMind, co-founded by Hassabis in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2014, plays a crucial role in the tech giant's AI research initiatives. Hinton praised Hassabis for his proactive stance on the misuse of AI technology, particularly highlighting concerns about how bad actors could exploit these advancements. Earlier this year, Hassabis remarked that powerful technologies could be repurposed for harmful purposes, prompting the need for restrictions on access to ensure that only responsible users can harness their capabilities. During the podcast, Hinton also expressed skepticism about trusting other prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. He candidly referred to them as 'oligarchs', indicating a lack of confidence in their intentions regarding AI governance. Having left Google in 2023 after over a decade, Hinton's exit was initially perceived as a response to the company's aggressive AI strategies. However, he later clarified that the narrative was overstated, revealing that he stepped down primarily due to his age and diminishing programming abilities. "I left Google because I was 75 and I couldn’t program effectively anymore," he explained, adding that his departure allowed him to discuss AI risks more openly. Despite his critiques, Hinton noted that Google had wished for him to remain involved in AI safety efforts. He reflected on the rapid advancements in AI, warning that machines are evolving at an unprecedented pace, which humans may not entirely comprehend. Hinton expressed regret for not recognizing the potential dangers sooner, admitting, "I always thought the future was far off, and I wish I had thought about safety sooner."