Is AI a looming threat? Microsoft’s President Brad Smith expresses concern

There are a wide array of risk factors we haven’t considered yet

4 min. read

Published onFebruary 23, 2024

published onFebruary 23, 2024

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

When we think of AI (Artificial Intelligence), ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot is the first thought that comes to mind. That’s primarily because, for most of us, it’s the only interaction we have had with one of the most significant developments of the 21st century. But AI is a lot more!

In recent months, we have witnessed considerable improvements,Sora AIbyOpenAIbeing a prime example. Subsequently, the number of people raising concerns has been on the rise. And it’s coming from those who have worked closely with the technology right from the start.

Geoffrey Hinton, known as theGodfather of AI, last year quit Google to warn the world about the risks posed by AI in the absence of stringent regulations.

Another ex-Google employee,Mustafa Suleyman, has expressed concern that AI could be used to create another pandemic-like situation, one much worse than Covid-19.

What did Microsoft’s President Brad Smith say about AI?

In aninterview withEL PAIS, Smith’s response, when asked if AI could result in a large percentage of the workforce losing jobs, was rather reassuring.

This has been the stance of most experts in the field. AI is a tool, and it should be used as such to boost productivity and improve output!

Smith also emphasized adapting to the changing world of technology, utilizing the potential of AI, and employing it in whatever role you can. Harnessing the technology is the key!

Coming to the regulation brought in by the EU(European Union)for AI, Smith was optimistic that it would set a benchmark for safety and security standards and provide protection.

Smith emphasized asafety brakefor AI. He had brought up the subject previously in the U.S. Senate.

Another concern raised during the interview was how the use of deep fakes could affect us, especially in a year when roughly64countries are going to poll. Smith underscored thesteps taken by Microsoft to tackle deepfakeand the need to educate people.

Regarding countries using AI for conducting cyberattacks, Smith had an insightful response citing how AI can be used to counter such issues.

Is AI really a threat?

Whether you believe it or not, AI is still in its infancy, and over the years, its integration with everyday tasks will increase even more. Surely, it will lead to job losses, but so does every technological advancement!

It’s rather early to discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to humanity. But there must be safeguards and regulations because there are other more pressing issues of the day that these can address. Be it deepfakes, cyberfrauds, or harassment!

Another concern is the biased training of AI models. At the time of writing, a recent example isGoogle’s Geminiimage creator, which many reported had a bias. After a massive uproar, Google temporarily halted the AI-tools ability to generate images of people.

So, we must learn how to harness and better utilize AI and, at the same time, introduce safeguards to protect us from any unfavourable scenarios.

What do you think of AI and the threats posed by it? Share with our readers in the comments section.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Is AI a looming threat? Microsoft’s President Brad Smith expresses concern#

What did Microsoft’s President Brad Smith say about AI?#

Is AI really a threat?#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Is AI a looming threat? Microsoft’s President Brad Smith expresses concern

What did Microsoft’s President Brad Smith say about AI?

Is AI really a threat?