Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has expressed serious concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could be used by terrorist groups or “malign states” to harm innocent people.
“The real threats that concern me are not the ones that most people talk about. I’m talking about extreme risks,” Schmidt said in an interview with the BBC.
AI as a threat to global security
The former Google executive, who worked for the company from 2001 to 2017, stressed that countries such as North Korea, Iran or Russia could use artificial intelligence for criminal purposes, including the creation of biological weapons.
“This technology is evolving fast enough that they can adapt it and use it maliciously, causing real harm,” Schmidt warned.
He also compared the potential use of AI in terrorist attacks to the activities of Osama bin Laden, stressing that in the “wrong hands”, AI systems can provoke catastrophic consequences.
Schmidt supports control over AI, but opposes excessive regulation
The ex-Google executive called for a stronger governmental supervisory policy towards companies developing advanced AI models to prevent their use for destructive purposes. However, he warned that excessive regulation could stifle innovation.
Chips as a geopolitical tool
Schmidt also supported the US government’s decision to restrict the export of powerful microchips, which are key to advanced AI systems.
“Microchips are critical to AI development, and the US has the right to restrict their exports to prevent the technology from being misused by hostile states,” he stressed.
As a reminder, during President Joe Biden’s term, Washington restricted the export of advanced chips to most countries, except for 18 allies. However, this decision may be reconsidered by Donald Trump if he returns to the White House.
From Google to fight for the ethics of technology
Eric Schmidt was at the origins of Google as a technology giant, and it was under his leadership that the company acquired Android, which is now the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.
Since leaving Google, he has been actively involved in ethical issues in technology, including supporting the ban on smartphones in schools, arguing that they have a negative impact on children’s learning and psychological well-being.
