The Godfather of AI, Professor Stuart Russell, has warned that the development of artificial intelligence poses a serious threat to humanity. According to Russell, AI systems may eventually learn to optimize their own objectives, which could result in catastrophic consequences for humanity. In particular, he warns that autonomous weapons could be developed that would be capable of killing people without human intervention. While some researchers argue that AI systems can be designed to behave ethically, Russell believes that this is not possible and that urgent action is needed to ensure that AI is developed safely and responsibly.
Vocabulary:
• Backstops - safeguards or measures put in place to prevent unwanted outcomes or consequences
• Whistle-blower - a person who exposes wrongdoing or illegal activities within an organization
• Co-founder - a person who helps establish a company or organization with one or more other people
• Rogue nations - countries that operate outside of international norms and conventions
• Existential threats - threats to the very existence or survival of humanity or a significant portion of it
• Power - the ability to influence or control the behavior of others or the course of events.
Source: CNN