This Google Exec Says AI Could Create A Deadly Plague

Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of Google DeepMind and a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), gave a stark warning about the potential risks of AI technology in a recent edition of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO”. Suleyman is worried about the prospect of AI being used to control and manufacture lethal diseases, which might have pandemic-like implications.

Suleyman cautioned that the darkest scenario involves individuals experimenting with synthetic pathogens, enhanced by AI, that could unintentionally or intentionally become more transmissible and lethal. Such AI-manipulated viruses could potentially spread rapidly and cause widespread harm, including loss of life on a pandemic scale.

His solution? A call for stringent control and containment measures, similar to those established for nuclear weapons by organizations like NATO. Suleyman emphasized the need to limit access to AI software, cloud systems, and even biological materials, stressing that not just anyone should have unrestricted access to these potentially dangerous tools.

The concern arises from the democratization of AI knowledge and access. As more people gain expertise in AI, the risk of rogue actors using AI for malevolent purposes increases. Without appropriate safeguards, the world could face unimaginable threats from genetically engineered pathogens, surpassing anything witnessed before.

Suleiman’s endorsement of the containment strategy is in line with growing sentiment among AI experts and industry leaders. These critical questions are poised to be addressed at the upcoming AI Summit in Washington, D.C., with participants including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta CEO Mark Zach Kerberg, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Elon Musk is known for taking a cautious stance on artificial intelligence, having previously spoken to the likes of former President Barack Obama and Google co-founder Larry Page about the dangers of uncontrolled artificial intelligence. However, despite these negotiations, concrete measures to mitigate the risks posed by AI-related epidemics have yet to be implemented.

As the field of artificial intelligence continues to develop, Suleiman’s warning is a poignant reminder that advanced technology is a double-edged sword. While artificial intelligence holds great promise for improving our world, it also has the potential to be misused. Finding the right balance between innovation and preventing abuse remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. The upcoming AI Summit promises to shed light on this key theme and hopefully chart the course for a safer AI future.