Ex-Google boss fears for AI 'Bin Laden scenario'

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has expressed serious concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, or AI, in what he describes as a 'Bin Laden scenario. ' Speaking to the BBC, Schmidt highlighted the risks posed by rogue states like North Korea and Iran, which could exploit AI technology to develop harmful biological weapons. He stated, 'The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI - I talk about extreme risk. ' Schmidt's comments reflect a growing anxiety among tech leaders regarding the implications of AI in the hands of those with malicious intent. He emphasized the need for government oversight of private tech companies that are advancing AI models, while also cautioning against excessive regulation that could hinder innovation. Schmidt noted that before leaving office, former President Joe Biden imposed restrictions on the export of powerful microchips essential for advanced AI systems, aiming to slow down the progress of adversaries in AI research. He remarked, 'Think about North Korea, or Iran, or even Russia, who have some evil goal. ' Schmidt's concerns extend to the potential for AI systems to be weaponized, leading to catastrophic outcomes. He warned, 'AI systems, in the wrong hands, could be used to develop weapons to create a bad biological attack from some evil person. ' The former Google chief drew parallels to the 9/11 attacks orchestrated by Osama Bin Laden, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of emerging technologies. Schmidt advocates for a balanced approach to AI regulation, arguing that while oversight is necessary, it should not stifle the innovation that AI promises. He stated, 'The truth is that AI and the future is largely going to be built by private companies. ' He believes that governments must remain informed about the developments in AI to ensure safety without hindering progress. Schmidt's remarks come in the wake of the AI Action Summit held in Paris, where discussions about the future of AI regulation took center stage. US Vice President JD Vance warned that excessive regulation could 'kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off. ' Schmidt echoed this sentiment, stating that too much regulation in Europe could prevent the continent from leading in AI innovation. He reflected on how tech companies have come to understand the potential of AI over the past 15 years, saying, 'My experience with the tech leaders is that they do have an understanding of the impact they're having, but they might make a different values judgment than the government would make. ' In addition to his concerns about AI, Schmidt has also spoken out about the impact of smartphones on children. He acknowledged that during his time at Google, he did not fully grasp the implications of technology on young users. He stated, 'The situation with children is particularly disturbing to me. ' Schmidt supports initiatives to limit smartphone use in schools, believing that moderation is key to ensuring safety. He remarked, 'I think smartphones with a kid can be safe; they just need to be moderated. ' He advocates for protecting children from the negative aspects of the online world, particularly on social media. Schmidt has backed proposals to ban social media use for children under 16, questioning the wisdom of allowing unrestricted access to platforms that can have harmful effects. He asked, 'Why would we run such a large, uncontrolled experiment on the most important people in the world, which is the next generation? ' In Australia, the government plans to implement a ban on social media for under-16s in 2024, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children from its dangers. A recent study published in The Lancet found that while mobile phone bans in schools did not significantly improve student behavior or grades, increased smartphone and social media usage was linked to poorer outcomes. Schmidt's insights underscore the need for a thoughtful approach to technology, balancing innovation with the responsibility to protect vulnerable populations.