Ex-Google CEO Warns of 'Extreme Risk' of AI Being Used by Terrorists
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt cautions that terrorists and rogue states could misuse AI to create biological weapons, calling for government oversight and highlighting the need to balance innovation with regulation.
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has voiced strong concerns regarding the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by terrorists and rogue states. Schmidt warns that these actors could exploit AI to develop biological weapons and inflict harm on innocent people.
Schmidt, who held senior positions at Google from 2001 to 2017, shared his concerns in an interview with the BBC, identifying North Korea, Iran, and Russia as countries that might misuse AI technologies. He emphasized the need for government oversight of private tech companies developing AI, while also cautioning that excessive regulation could hinder innovation.
Drawing a parallel to the September 11 attacks, Schmidt expressed worry about an "Osama Bin Laden" scenario, where a malicious individual could exploit modern technology to harm innocent people. He advocated for a balanced approach to government oversight, stating that while regulation is necessary, over-regulation could stifle the AI revolution. He pointed out that the US and UK did not sign an agreement at the AI Action Summit in Paris, with US Vice President JD Vance arguing that regulation could "kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off".
Schmidt also supports initiatives to limit smartphone usage among children, acknowledging that tech leaders may have underestimated the negative impacts of digital devices. He supports a ban on social media for those under 16
