AI warning from Geoffrey Hinton: 'Maybe only a year left' for safety measures

Nobel laureate scientist Geoffrey Hinton has issued striking warnings to members of the US Congress regarding the pace of artificial intelligence development. Hinton stated that there may be only a year left to implement necessary safety measures "before we completely lose control" over AI.

As reported by NBC, Hinton provided information to members of Congress about the risks in the field of AI and the need for regulation at the invitation of Vermont Senatör Bernie Sanders.

Recalling that predictions regarding when superintelligence would be reached were previously in the range of 30 to 50 years, Hinton noted that this timeframe first dropped to 10-20 years, and today, many researchers are speaking of a timeframe of just a few years.

Then those estimates dropped to maybe 10, maybe 20 years. Now people, many researchers, are saying it will happen in just a few years. Maybe a year, but not much more than a year.

Hinton stated that artificial intelligence has now reached a stage where it can design more advanced AI systems, noting that this is defined as "self-improvement." Emphasizing that if this process proceeds unchecked, it could pose serious risks, Hinton said, "If we don't do something, this situation will get out of control. We need to slow down."

Democratic Representative Ted Lieu also described the developments as a "total science fiction scenario," stating that AI must be controlled by humans at a fundamental level. Lieu expressed that the opposite situation would be unacceptable.

Senatör Bernie Sanders stated that concerns are growing regarding the future of humanity and the possibility of creating technology that humans cannot control. Sanders said there is an "increasing sense of urgency" among members of Congress that this issue must be addressed.