Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "godfather of AI," has recently expressed significant concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with CBS News, which aired on a Saturday, Hinton suggested that he is somewhat relieved to be 77 years old because he may not live long enough to experience the potential perils of AI surpassing human intelligence and potentially seizing control. Hinton, who received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work in machine learning, outlined a sobering vision of the future where AI systems, becoming more advanced and intelligent, could manipulate humans and even pose existential threats. Hinton likened the development of AI to raising a tiger cub, emphasizing that while it might seem innocent and beneficial initially, it could become dangerous when fully grown. He estimated a "10 to 20% chance" that AI systems could eventually gain control, although he acknowledged the difficulty in making precise predictions. The emergence of autonomous AI agents, capable of performing tasks independently, has heightened his worries. These agents, Hinton noted, make the situation more concerning than it was previously. Just a year ago, Hinton thought it would take five to 20 years for AI to surpass human intelligence across all domains. However, he now believes there is a "good chance" this milestone could be reached in as little as 10 years or possibly sooner. His revised timeline is driven by the accelerated pace of technological progress and the intense competition among tech companies and nations. This competition, according to Hinton, makes it highly unlikely that humanity can avoid developing superintelligent AI. "They're all after the next shiny thing," he remarked, suggesting that the focus on innovation and profit outweighs caution and ethical considerations. Hinton also criticized tech giants, including Google, where he spent over a decade working. He expressed strong disappointment that Google had reversed its stance on using AI for military purposes, a decision that conflicts with Hinton's ethical principles. "I wouldn't be happy working for any of them today," he stated, indicating a growing disillusionment with the industry's direction. Despite his concerns, Hinton emphasized the importance of designing AI systems in a way that ensures they do not seek to dominate or harm humans. His warnings serve as a call to action for the tech community to prioritize ethical considerations and safety measures in the development and deployment of AI technologies. The rapid advancement of AI, particularly in areas like autonomous agents and superintelligence, has sparked a range of responses from experts and policymakers. While some see the benefits in terms of efficiency and innovation, others share Hinton's fears about the potential risks, including loss of control and manipulation. The field of AI is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made today will have profound implications for the future. Industry insiders, including leading AI researchers and ethicists, have echoed Hinton’s concerns. They highlight the need for robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to mitigate the risks associated with superintelligent AI. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are under increasing scrutiny to balance their commercial interests with the broader societal impacts of their technologies. Geoffrey Hinton, born in 1947, is a British-Canadian cognitive psychologist and computer scientist. His contributions to deep learning, a subset of AI, have been instrumental in advancing the field, earning him the nickname "godfather of AI." With his latest warnings, Hinton continues to be a influential voice in the ongoing debate about the future of AI, urging the tech community to proceed with greater caution and responsibility.