AI Pioneer Warns of Escalating Risks as Technology Races Forward

In Hanoi, Yoshua Bengio, a leading figure in artificial intelligence, urged a focus on regulating AI to manage its rapid evolution. Bengio, honored with the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize, highlighted threats AI poses, particularly with affordable models like DeepSeek that could be misused by malicious actors. He voiced concerns over the potential loss of human control as AI systems gain autonomy, capable of complex decision-making and self-preservation.

Bengio advocated for global regulations to prevent a concentrated power over AI technologies, which could exacerbate environmental strains and economic divides, affecting global energy consumption. He urged proactive international collaboration to create ethical frameworks and liability laws, emphasizing responsible AI deployment.

Further, Bengio called for enhanced partnerships between emerging and developed nations to ensure equitable advancement in AI. He underlined the importance of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize to recognize and bridge technological divides globally. Urgent action and international coordination are necessary to mitigate AI's risks while maximizing its benefits.