Elon Musk warns of a 10%-20% possibility that AI will go wrong, recommends caution, and supports Donald Trump’s tech-friendly policies to boost innovation.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) while speaking remotely at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.
Musk warned that AI has a 10% to 20% risk of developing dangerously, addressing global investors and officials.
Despite his caution, Musk maintained a largely positive outlook, suggesting there’s an 80% to 90% chance that AI will lead to beneficial outcomes.
Musk Warns of AI Risks, Predicts 10-20% Chance of Harmful Development
In his address to the Saudi forum, Musk emphasized the risk that AI could evolve unpredictably, estimating a 10% to 20% chance it might go down a “dangerous” path while calling for careful oversight from global leaders.
This projection echoes Musk’s ongoing concerns about the need for ethical AI development.
Yet, he was hopeful, noting an 80% to 90% chance that AI advancements will be positive.
Musk further suggested AI could surpass human abilities in the near future, possibly within the next year or two, and he anticipates that AI will soon be capable of performing any task a human can.
“I think AI is a significant existential threat and something we should be paying close attention to. It’ll be able to do anything a human can do, possibly within the next year or two,” he stated.
Musk also projected that by 2040, approximately 10,000 humanoid robots could be operational, underscoring the rapid progression of AI in automation and robotics.
This swift development, he argued, requires a proactive approach to ensure AI’s influence on society remains constructive.
Additionally, Musk pointed out that Bitcoin miners are beginning to adopt AI, contributing to more stable and sustainable operations.
Concerns About “Woke, Nihilistic” AI Models
Musk also expressed concerns about ideological biases in certain AI models, particularly in the U.S., warning that some AI systems may have a “woke, nihilistic” slant.
He argued that these biases could lead to AIs prioritizing specific viewpoints over objectivity, affecting their alignment with factual information.
Musk observed that models trained in areas like the San Francisco Bay Area may reflect local socio-political ideologies, potentially influencing AI’s decision-making.
He emphasized the need for AI models to be truth-seeking rather than adopting specific socio-political stances.
Musk Endorses Donald Trump
Additionally, Musk voiced support for Donald Trump’s presidential run, citing concerns about over-regulation.
Musk argued that a Trump administration would better support technological innovation, whereas he believes the Biden administration’s policies currently hinder progress.
Highlighting regulatory delays in aerospace as an example, Musk commented that obtaining launch permits takes longer than rocket construction.
Musk linked his Trump endorsement to this perspective, expressing optimism for AI’s future under Trump’s leadership.
Further, Dogecoin co-founder Billy Markus expressed enthusiasm about potential media coverage of Dogecoin if Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election, suggesting mainstream media may take a more serious view of Dogecoin given Musk’s vocal support.
