The renowned figure in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geoffrey Hinton, believes that the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI) could alleviate concerns surrounding job scarcity triggered by AI advancements.
Geoffrey Hinton expressed his apprehensions to the BBC, stating he was “very concerned that a lot of simple robots will be taken over by artificial intelligence.” He further disclosed that he advised Downing Street on the merits of UBI
UBI entails providing regular, equal payments to all citizens, irrespective of income, social status, age, or employment status, without any reciprocal obligations. While some US cities and states have experimented with variations of guaranteed basic income, Hinton’s proposal advocates for a broader, nationwide implementation.
Hinton argues that while AI can enhance productivity and generate wealth, without government intervention, it risks exacerbating income inequality, leaving the wealthy wealthier and displacing the poor.
He advocates for a more cautious approach to AI development, warning that unchecked AI progression could pose an “extinction threat” to humans within the next five to 20 years.
Interestingly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is conducting his own UBI experiment, with results anticipated for release soon. Altman has also floated the concept of “universal core computing,” where individuals could receive access to future AI models like GPT-7 instead of cash.
Prior to this announcement, Geoffrey Hinton made headlines by departing Google, citing concerns over AI’s potential for harm as a primary reason. His advocacy for UBI underscores the growing debate around AI’s societal impact and the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.
For further details, read the full article on Business Insider.
