AI Pioneer Geoffrey Hinton Warns: 10-20% Chance AI Could Outpace Human Control Within a Decade

April 28, 2025
AI Pioneer Geoffrey Hinton Warns: 10-20% Chance AI Could Outpace Human Control Within a Decade
  • Despite recognizing the benefits of AI in fields such as healthcare and education, Hinton criticized major tech companies, including OpenAI and Google, for prioritizing profit over safety.

  • Ultimately, Hinton believes that society is not fully aware of the potential dangers of AI, indicating a need for greater public understanding and proactive measures.

  • He expressed particular disappointment with Google for reversing its ethical stance on military applications of AI, indicating a shift that he finds troubling.

  • In a recent CBS Saturday morning interview, Hinton expressed his concerns regarding the unregulated and rapidly advancing AI industry, emphasizing that many people do not fully understand the associated risks.

  • Central to Hinton's worries is the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI), which signifies the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence and acting independently.

  • Geoffrey Hinton, a pivotal figure in artificial intelligence development, has raised alarms about the potential for AI to take control away from humans, estimating a 10 to 20 percent chance of this occurring.

  • Hinton advocates for government intervention to slow AI development, arguing that robust safety research is essential before further advancements are made.

  • Hinton highlighted the competitive nature of tech companies and nations as a barrier to preventing the creation of superintelligent systems, suggesting that global competition makes it unlikely to avoid this outcome.

  • He has revised his timeline for the emergence of superintelligent AI, now predicting it could be developed within the next decade, a significant acceleration from his previous estimates.

  • He warned that AI could empower hackers, making cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as banks and hospitals, more feasible.

  • Hinton likened the current state of AI development to raising a tiger cub, cautioning that without proper safeguards, AI could become dangerous as it matures.

  • He emphasized the urgency for global AI safety frameworks, stating that we are at a critical juncture that could lead to significant global transformation.

Summary based on 9 sources


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