AI — a fledgling field that continues to bring revolution in today’s era — is also posing a significant threat to everyone, with even tech giants also advocating to slow down its pace, highlighting its potential risks.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also issued a warning regarding it, as it may contribute to events causing up to a billion deaths if advanced AI tools fall into the wrong hands.
Speaking to NBC News, Gates stated, “AI is certainly powerful enough to drive events that cause a billion deaths.”
“So even though it’s pretty hard to get to 100 per cent [of humanity], there’s never been a weapon as powerful as the combination of people with ill intent using the latest AI tools,” Bill Gates added.
Gates said Washington “absolutely” needs federal legislation to establish safeguards around AI development.
Growing concerns over AI misuse
The American tech giant’s owner comments come amid increasing concerns regarding the safety and security of advanced AI systems, as recent incidents raised several concerns regarding whether leading AI companies can adequately control their models.
Ways AI could be highly dangerous
Here are five major ways the technology could become dangerous.
1. AI-powered cyberattacks
AI could accelerate cyberattacks by assisting malicious software, deepfaking actors identify vulnerabilities, automate attacks and develop harmful code.
Some incidents involving AI-powered systems have raised concerns about whether companies can manipulate their models.
2: AI and bioterrorism
Amid the rising integration in every industry, the healthcare sector has also incorporated cutting-edge technology to promote faster diagnosis with greater precision, development of effective vaccines and microorganisms.
However, it may be equally harmful if it ever goes into the wrong hands, as the technology has enough potential to bring catastrophic effects in the society.
3. AI and advanced weapons
One of the most serious concerns is the use of AI in warfare. Anthropic recently said militants believed to be associated with Yemen's Houthi movement attempted to use its Claude model to develop software connected to ballistic missile guidance and navigation.
4. Terrorist and rogue-state misuse
Gates specifically warned about AI falling into the hands of people with harmful intentions. Terrorist organizations or rogue states could utilize advanced AI for planning, technical development, propaganda or other dangerous activities.
5. Misinformation and deepfakes
In recent times, one of the major harmful effects of AI has been seen across social media, as some users engaged with different apps have started to make fabricated content, letting misinformation and deceptive material spread rapidly.
