Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently spoke up regarding the urgent need for the United States to maintain its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) technology amid rapid advancements by China. He warned that AI systems are nearing a critical point where they could operate autonomously. Schmidt stated, “When the system can self-improve, we need to seriously think about unplugging it.”
Technology must be controlled
Schmidt said, “The U.S. must win its ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) race against China, but warned the rapidly evolving technology must be controlled.”
Former PayPal COO David Sacks
President-elect Donald Trump appointed former PayPal COO David Sacks as his White House czar for artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. Trump noted that Sacks would guide policy to establish the U.S. as a global leader in AI.
David will guide policy
Trump said, “In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness.”
Schmidt predicted that AI systems
Schmidt predicted that AI systems could eventually evolve to conduct their own research, potentially increasing the number of “AI scientists” exponentially. Schmidt stated, “There’s a point at which, maybe in the next year or two, where the systems can begin to do their own research. They’re called AI scientists, as opposed to human scientists.”
Very hard for your competitors to catch up
Schmidt added, “So you go from having 1000 human scientists to a million AI scientists. I think that increases the slope when you’re moving at this pace, it’s very hard for your competitors to catch up.”
Deciding what they want to do
The shift would drastically accelerate innovation, making it difficult for competitors to keep pace. Schmidt said, “We’re soon going to be able to have computers running on their own, deciding what they want to do.”
More powerful goals
Schmidt said, “We go from agents to then… more powerful goals, and eventually you say to the computer, ‘learn everything and do everything.’ And that’s a dangerous point. When the system can self-improve, we need to seriously think about unplugging it.”
Particular, ahead of China
Schmidt concluded, “It is crucial that America wins this race globally, and in particular, ahead of China.”