British-Canadian computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, widely recognized as the “Godfather of AI,” has issued a stark warning regarding the future of artificial intelligence. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Hinton stated, “I think 10 to 20 [years], if anything. We’ve never had to deal with things more intelligent than ourselves before.”

Hinton, who recently received the Nobel Prize in Physics, expressed regret about his role in the rapid advancement of AI technologies, comparing the current situation to the industrial revolution. He cautioned that AI machines could soon “take control,” posing a potential existential threat to humanity.

AI’s Rapid Development

In his comments, Hinton noted the pace at which AI technology is evolving is far beyond what he had anticipated. He explained, “The technology has developed much faster than I expected” and warned that AI could render humans as “the equivalents of three-year-olds,” with AI becoming “the grown-ups”.

Concerns Over Unconstrained AI Development

The conversation also highlighted Hinton’s decision to resign from Google to address concerns about the risks posed by AI. He emphasized the danger of “bad actors” exploiting AI for harmful purposes. As interest grows in creating artificial general intelligence, a significant concern is that these systems may evade human control.

As quoted by The Guardian, Hinton’s warning underscores the need for more stringent safety measures in AI development.