Prominent AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has amplified concerns regarding the escalating risks associated with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to establish a safer trajectory. Bengio, a Turing Award laureate and a key figure in AI safety initiatives, recently highlighted a video by Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
"Very insightful video by @tristanharris on the growing risks of AI and the race to develop it—but just as importantly, on the danger of thinking our current path is inevitable. We still have the chance to coordinate globally and create a safer way forward," Bengio stated in a social media post.
Bengio's remarks align with his ongoing efforts to foster a unified global approach to AI governance. He chairs the International AI Safety Report, a landmark initiative bringing together nearly 100 experts from various countries to synthesize current evidence on AI capabilities and risks. This report, commissioned by the UK government, aims to provide a shared, science-based understanding for policymakers worldwide.
Tristan Harris, through the Center for Humane Technology, has consistently warned about the societal implications of unchecked technological advancement, drawing parallels between the "attention economy" of social media and the current "race to deploy" in AI. Harris and his colleague Aza Raskin have articulated concerns that AI companies are caught in a competitive struggle, potentially leading to the rapid deployment of systems without sufficient safety protocols. Their "AI Dilemma" presentation and podcast highlight how existing AI capabilities already pose significant risks to societal function.
The push for global coordination stems from the belief that the current, uncoordinated development of advanced AI systems could lead to unforeseen and potentially catastrophic outcomes. Experts like Bengio and Harris emphasize that while AI offers immense benefits, its rapid evolution necessitates a collective, international effort to ensure its alignment with human values and safety. This includes addressing issues such as misuse, systemic risks, and the potential for unintended consequences.
The call for a safer way forward underscores the critical juncture at which AI development stands. The focus is on implementing precautionary principles and establishing robust international frameworks to mitigate risks, rather than accepting the current competitive trajectory as an unchangeable path. This dialogue aims to guide the future of AI toward responsible innovation and shared global benefit.