At the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Google DeepMind CEO Sir Demis Hassabis stressed that urgent research is needed to tackle the growing risks of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking to a gathering of tech leaders, politicians, and delegates from over 100 countries, he called for smart regulation to address the most pressing challenges posed by the technology.
Sir Demis highlighted two primary threats: AI being misused by bad actors and the potential loss of control over increasingly autonomous systems. While his company plays a key role in the AI ecosystem, he admitted it is only one player, and regulators often struggle to keep pace with the rapid development of AI.
Other tech leaders echoed similar concerns. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, called for urgent regulation, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of international collaboration to ensure AI benefits society. However, the United States has opposed global governance, with White House adviser Michael Kratsios arguing that bureaucratic control could hinder AI adoption.
Sir Demis also discussed the global AI race, noting that while the US and Western nations currently lead, China could catch up within months. He emphasized the need to balance bold deployment with responsible oversight, acknowledging that mistakes may occur but stating, “We get it more correct than most.”
Looking ahead, Sir Demis said AI will become a superpower in creative and technical applications over the next decade. He stressed the continued importance of STEM education, as a technical background will remain an advantage in leveraging AI tools.
The AI Impact Summit, the largest global gathering of its kind, will conclude on Friday with a joint statement from countries and companies on how to manage the future of artificial intelligence.
