A new report by experts has warned about how the increasing competition among tech majors may boost the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The report’s lead author, Yoshua Bengio, also known as “one of the godfathers of modern AI,” highlighted the risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology, particularly with the emergence of companies like DeepSeek, a Chinese startup that has challenged US dominance in the field.He expressed concerns about DeepSeek‘s rapid progress, emphasising the need for greater attention to safety and ethical considerations in AI development. Bengio has also warned that competitors, including US companies, may start prioritising regaining their lead by compromising safety.
What the ‘godfather of AI’ said about the AI race
in an interview with the Guardian, Bengio said: “It’s going to mean a closer race, which usually is not a good thing from the point of view ofAI safety. If you imagine a competition between two entities and one thinks they’re way ahead, then they can afford to be more prudent and still know that they will stay ahead. Whereas if you have a competition between two entities and they think that the other is just at the same level, then they need to accelerate. Then maybe they don’t give as much attention to safety.”
The first full International AI Safety report, led by Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio and compiled by 96 experts, was announced at the 2023 AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park.
Commissioned by the UK government, the report highlights the increasing risks posed by AI, including its potential for malicious use in cybersecurity and bioweapons development.
It warns that AI can now generate detailed instructions for creating biological threats, surpassing expert capabilities. However, its impact on novices remains uncertain.
While acknowledging risks, the report also emphasises AI’s benefits, particularly in medicine. The next global AI summit is set for February in Paris.