‘Can’t let the fear mongers win’: Experts debate AI risk to our extinction

Australia’s chief scientist, a retired army major general and a renowned physicist have shared their opinions on the risks of artificial intelligence.

The Q&A panel debated AI. Picture: Supplied

Renowned physicist and best-selling author Brian Greene says while artificial intelligence may lead to the extinction of humanity the opportunities are so great that it must not stop its development.

Appearing on the ABC’s Q&A program on Monday, Professor Greene — who is known for his work on string theory, and the nature of space and time — said fearmongers should not stop the progress of AI.

“Anything can take us to extinction,” he said.

“It’s a real worry but I would not let that stop us.

“We have to have the guard rails in place ... but the opportunities are so enormous that we can’t let the fear mongers win on this one ... we have to go forward.”

Renowned physicist Brian Greene and Australia’s Chief Scientist Cathy Foley on the panel. Picture: Supplied

Australia’s chief scientist Cathy Foley agreed AI provided opportunities but there were risks too.

“We need to recognise that we’ve got big problems,” she said.

“We have to use every tool in our toolbox and AI is a pathway of doing that.”

Asked about the risk of AI becoming smarter than humans, she said it was up to humans to design it well and come up with ways of regulating it.

Thanks to our #QandA panellists, questioners and live studio audience for a wonderful discussion tonight.

If you missed the show you can catch up live on iview here: https://t.co/ndngAYdDyNpic.twitter.com/ZGUAFptYkM

— ABC News (@abcnews) March 18, 2024

Retired Army major general Gus McLachlan said ignoring AI was like ignoring the tide coming in.

“The machines will find ways to shock us and find us in our areas of weakness,” he said.

He also said well developed AI could be used in conflict situations, which would protect defence force personnel.

ThatsMyFace chief executive and ethical AI advocate Nadia Lee said she did not believe AI would be the extinction of humanity.

She said it could actually amplify humanity’s productivity and creativity.

“I think it’s going to bring amazing things to the human race,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Can’t let the fear mongers win’: Experts debate AI risk to our extinction