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Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates has spoken out against artificial intelligence, suggesting significant advances in the sector could result in a loss of control.
Gates described how he felt confused by those who weren’t concerned about the implications of super-intelligent AI software.
The Microsoft ex-CEO was likely referencing yesterday’s comments from Microsoft Research chief Eric Horvitz, who said he ‘fundamentally’ thinks over-intelligent AI is not a risk.
“I think that we will be very proactive in terms of how we field AI systems, and that in the end we’ll be able to get incredible benefits from machine intelligence in all realms of life, from science to education to economics to daily life,” explained Horvitz.
Gates, writing on an ‘ask me anything’ Reddit thread, said: “I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence. First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent. That should be positive if we manage it well.”
“A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.”
He added: “I agree with Elon Musk and some others on this and don’t understand why some people are not concerned.”
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Elon Musk is, of course, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, and a militant and vocal opponent of advanced AI technology.
Musk has spoken out against unfettered AI research on multiple occasions, comparing development in the sector as akin to ‘summoning the demon’.
The Tesla boss has even donated $10 million to fund research on how we can prevent a global AI takeover a la Terminator.
Musk isn’t the only science-savvy thinker set against AI. Professor Stephen Hawking has also previously warned against AI, suggesting it could ‘spell the end of the human race.’