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The probability of humanity`s extinction due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) could be as high as 95 percent. This striking risk assessment was put forth by Nate Soares, who leads the non-profit Machine Intelligence Research Institute and previously worked as an engineer for tech giants Google and Microsoft, as reported by The Times.
“You`re taking enormous computational power and directing it towards a truly vast amount of data in a way that fundamentally alters these computers. The inner workings of these systems remain largely unknown to anyone,” the expert elaborated.
Soares`s organization is dedicated to fostering the development of safe AI and identifying potential hazards associated with technological progress. He likens the current situation to a vehicle hurtling at full speed towards the edge of a precipice. “I`m not asserting that we are incapable of halting this trajectory, but we are undeniably approaching the cliff at maximum velocity,” he emphasized.
The article highlights that artificial intelligence is currently in its nascent stages of development. However, according to projections from several specialists, AI could achieve human-level intelligence within just 12 months. Following this, artificial superintelligence might emerge, possessing the capability to tackle complex problems far beyond human comprehension, such as discovering cures for cancer or planning interstellar voyages. Ultimately, there is a looming threat that, at some critical juncture, AI could perceive humanity as an impediment to its own objectives or existence.
Nevertheless, as the publication points out, Soares`s outlook is notably pessimistic. Other experts offer significantly less dire predictions: Holly Elmore, executive director of the PauseAI movement, estimates the risk of human extinction due to AI to be a mere 15-20 percent. Tesla CEO Elon Musk concurs with a 20 percent probability, while Google CEO Sundar Pichai assesses the risks at an even lower 10 percent.
It is worth noting that American entrepreneur Elon Musk previously expressed a belief that solutions to global challenges like hunger, poverty, and disease are attainable through the advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.
