Eric Schmidt warns of AI risks and advocates for balanced regulation to protect against misuse
The former CEO of Google has raised concerns about the potential use of artificial intelligence by terrorists or "rogue states" to harm innocent people. Eric Schmidt explained that his fears about AI are different from those commonly discussed. Instead of focusing on typical AI risks, he emphasizes the extreme dangers it may pose.
Schmidt, who held senior roles at Google from 2001 to 2017, spoke on the Today program, warning that countries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia might misuse AI technology to create biological weapons.
He stressed the need for government oversight of private tech companies developing AI models but also cautioned that excessive regulation could stifle innovation.
He expressed support for US export controls on advanced microchips, which power the most sophisticated AI systems. Before leaving office, President Joe Biden restricted the export of these microchips to just 18 countries, aiming to slow adversaries' progress in AI research. However, this decision could be overturned by Donald Trump.
Schmidt pointed out that AI technology is evolving quickly enough for hostile nations to adopt and misuse it, potentially causing significant harm.
He expressed concerns about the use of AI in biological attacks by individuals with harmful intentions, citing the example of Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11 attacks.
Schmidt proposed a balance between government oversight of AI development and the need to avoid over-regulation. He believes that while AI's future will largely be shaped by private companies, governments must ensure proper monitoring.
He further commented on the AI Action Summit in Paris, where the US and the UK refused to sign an agreement on AI regulation. US Vice President JD Vance warned that heavy regulation could harm the AI industry, while Schmidt argued that excessive regulation in Europe might prevent the AI revolution from flourishing there.
On the issue of smartphones in schools, Schmidt acknowledged that, in the past, he had not fully grasped the negative impact smartphones could have on children.
However, he now supports initiatives to keep smartphones out of schools and believes children should be protected from the potential dangers of the online world. Schmidt advocates for moderated smartphone use, stressing that it can be safe for children as long as they are properly supervised.
Additionally, Schmidt supports proposals to ban children under 16 from using social media, pointing out the risks of exposure to harmful online content. Activists argue that smartphones distract children from vital activities essential for healthy development.
In Australia, the government passed a law in 2024 banning social media use for children under 16 to protect them from its harmful effects.
A study published in The Lancet revealed that while banning smartphones in schools did not improve students' behavior or grades, longer smartphone use was linked to worse academic performance and overall well-being.
