Erik Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has raised alarming concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by terrorists and rogue states, warning that these groups could use the technology to inflict harm on innocent civilians. In an interview with BBC, Schmidt outlined the extreme risks posed by AI, specifically highlighting how countries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia could exploit advanced technologies to create biological weapons.
Schmidt, who served as Google’s CEO from 2001 to 2017, called for greater government oversight over private tech companies developing AI models. While emphasizing the importance of regulation, Schmidt also warned that excessive control could hinder technological innovation. He further supported U.S. export restrictions on powerful microchips used in cutting-edge AI systems, a measure initially implemented by President Biden to slow adversarial AI development. However, Schmidt expressed concerns that such policies might be reversed under a new administration, particularly if Donald Trump were to return to office.
Schmidt’s comments underscore the urgent need for a balanced approach to regulating AI technology, aiming to prevent misuse by hostile entities while ensuring continued innovation in the tech industry.
