Yoshua Bengio, a prominent computer scientist and AI pioneer, has raised alarms about the potential negative impacts of artificial intelligence on society.

As a professor at the University of Montreal and head of the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms, Bengio is renowned for his contributions to deep learning.

At the One Young World Summit in Montreal, he discussed artificial general intelligence (AGI), which could match or surpass human cognitive abilities.

Bengio emphasized the pressing need for research and regulation, highlighting the lack of current methods to ensure AI systems do not harm people or act against human interests.

He compared the necessary regulations for AI to those established for other technologies, asserting that democratic oversight is essential for safely harnessing AI's benefits.

Bengio called for governmental regulations that would require companies to register their AI systems, ensuring oversight and accountability in AI development.

He believes that companies developing AI should be liable for their actions, stating that financial repercussions would encourage responsible behavior.

Bengio urged for collective action, emphasizing that it is not too late to positively guide the evolution of society if enough people engage in understanding the risks and working on solutions.

He highlighted the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation, which could distort political opinions and democratic processes, particularly during elections.

Bengio cautioned that AI systems with greater knowledge than most humans could pose dangers in the wrong hands, potentially escalating geopolitical instability and terrorism.

He predicts that only a few organizations and governments will be able to afford the development of powerful AI systems, leading to a concentration of economic, political, and military power.

In June 2024, Bengio supported an open letter from OpenAI employees warning of the serious risks posed by advanced AI, advocating for public and policymaker guidance in addressing these challenges.

He warns that some powerful individuals may desire to replace humanity with machines, highlighting the need for foresight regarding the implications of advanced AI.