Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and one of the most respected voices in the field, has left Google. He has joined a growing chorus of critics warning of the potential dangers of AI systems.
Hinton, who is often called "the Godfather of AI," said he regrets his life's work in part because he believes AI could be used for harmful purposes. He also said he is concerned that AI is developing too quickly and that we are not doing enough to ensure that it is used for good.
In an interview with The New York Times, Hinton said, "I console myself with the normal excuse: If I hadn't done it, somebody else would have." But he added, "I do regret it in a way, because I think it's going to be very difficult to control."
Hinton's concerns about AI are shared by many experts. In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the potential dangers of AI, including the possibility that it could be used to create autonomous weapons or to develop surveillance systems that could be used to oppress people.
In a letter to Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, Hinton and a group of other AI experts warned that "AI could be used to automate tasks that are currently done by humans, leading to mass unemployment." They also warned that AI could be used to "create new forms of surveillance and control."
Google has said that it is committed to using AI for good. In a statement, the company said, "We remain committed to a responsible approach to AI. We're continually learning to understand emerging risks while also innovating boldly."
However, Hinton's departure from Google is a sign that some of the company's most respected experts are concerned about the potential dangers of AI. It remains to be seen whether Google will be able to address these concerns and ensure that AI is used for good.