Artificial intelligence poses greater challenge to the world than terrorism, warns high-level scientist

Artificial intelligence poses a greater challenge to the world than terrorism, warned the new president of the British Science Association.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a physicist at the University of Surrey, warned that advances in artificial intelligence "are happening too fast" and are not sufficiently regulated.

He said that artificial intelligence would make Britain increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and lead to greater inequality, with thousands becoming unemployed.

During a briefing in London before the British Science Festival in Hull this week, he said: "Until maybe a few years ago I was asked what was the most pressing and important conversation in About our future, said that climate change or one of the other major challenges facing humanity, such as terrorism, antimicrobial resistance, the threat of pandemics or global poverty.

"But today, I'm sure the most important conversation we should have is about the future of AI. He will dominate what is happening with all these other problems for better or for worse.

"If Russian cyber-hackers were able to meddle in the 2016 US elections, then preventing cyber-terrorists from hacking AI-controlled power grids, transport systems, and military installations.

"Our government has the responsibility to protect society from potential threats and risks."

He added, "A lot of people are getting more and more nervous about what they see as uncontrolled progress in AI.

"The widespread implementation of AI raises serious concerns that lead to increased inequality. Robotics and autonomous systems are expected to lead to job losses, mainly affecting workers in low-skilled roles, and there is still little research on how the future effects of automation might vary in the UK .

"We are now seeing an unprecedented level of interest, investment and technological progress in the field, which many people, including myself, feel like being too fast."

Al-Khalili also warned that without more transparency and public engagement, the potential of the IA would not be fully exploited.

Artificial Intelligence promises an even bigger revolution than the internet, but could be stifled in the UK by a fear-motivated public feedback.

In the absence of concerted action on the part of academics, government and industry, rapidly evolving technology could end up "uncontrolled and unregulated" in the hands of some extremely corporations. powerful, he said.

In preparation for his presidential address at the British Science Festival in Hull, which begins this week, Professor Al-Khalili spoke about the dream and dangers of AI.

He pointed out that the UK was at the forefront of technology, which is expected to contribute up to $ 15 billion (£ 11,700 billion) to the global economy. 39, here 2030.

But there was a risk that AI behaves in the same way as GM (genetic modification) and is perceived as scary and sinister by members of the public and as a "poison chalice" by politicians.

Professor Al-Khalili said: "There is a real danger of Amnesty International's reaction against Amnesty International potentially similar to the one we had with GM at the beginning of the millennium.

"If the public disengages, our leaders will see it as a lower priority. Regulations must be in place and they may arrive too late.

He wants AI to be included in the school curriculum, even if it would equate to "moving a giant tanker into the middle of the oceans" and to focus on public education programs to dispel myths.

While AI was often considered science fiction, it was already part of everyday life, said Al-Khalili.

AI has been manifested in virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa, as well as in the "near-psychic awareness" of Google, Facebook and Amazon.

In the future, technology could completely reshape society.

"Artificial intelligence will transform our lives over the next few decades even more than the internet in recent decades," said Professor Al-Khalili. "Let's make sure we're ready for that."

The new documentary by Prof. Al-Khalili titled "The Joy of AI" was launched on Tuesday, September 4th on BBC4.