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Geoffrey Hinton: The ‘Godfather of AI’ Walks Away from His Position at Google
As per information from the source, Geoffrey Hinton, considered by many as the ‘godfather of AI,’ recently left his position at Google to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the technology he helped develop. Hinton’s pioneering work on neural networks cemented the foundation for modern-day AI systems powering various products. He worked part-time at Google for ten years, contributing to the tech giant’s AI development efforts. However, his concerns about the technology and his role in advancing it led him to rethink his position.
A Desire to Speak Honestly About AI Risks
Hinton spoke candidly about his decision, revealing in a tweet that he left Google “so (he) could talk about the dangers of AI without considering how this affects Google”. He went on to add that Google “has acted very responsibly.” In his interview with the New York Times, Hinton shared his thoughts, saying, “I console myself with the normal excuse: If I hadn’t done it, someone else would have done it.” However, he also acknowledged the potential dark side of AI and felt the need to speak up.
A Growing Call for Cautious AI Development
Hinton’s decision to quit Google and speak openly about the potential risks of AI is in line with growing concerns voiced by lawmakers, advocacy groups, and tech experts across the world. There is an increasing fear that AI-powered chatbots could spread misinformation and displace jobs. This led to a renewed arms race among a host of tech companies to develop and implement similar AI tools in their products.
The Race Among Tech Giants to Implement AI Tech
Although Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are at the forefront of this trend, other leading tech companies such as IBM, Amazon, Baidu, and Tencent are working on similar technologies. ChatGPT, which gained a lot of attention late last year, is a prime example of this. However, without robust regulations and oversight, chatbots could spell disaster in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Hinton’s decision to walk away from Google is a reminder that the development of AI technology should be approached with caution. As the ‘godfather of AI,’ Hinton’s concerns must be taken seriously by the AI community and tech giant companies, which will ultimately shape the future of AI. In conclusion, it is vital that AI is developed responsibly to avoid the potential risks associated with it.
