The doomsday clock is 90 seconds before midnight for the second year running, suggesting that humanity is close to the brink of self-destruction, and artificial intelligence may be to blame, claims the Bulletin of Atomic Scientiststhe group of experts from around the world behind setting the clock that has signaled the possibility of human extinction for 75 years.
According to the group, the threat of misinformation and confusion from artificial intelligence, the increased military use of the technology and its ability to amplify other threats have increased the greatest risk factors to near fatality. The biggest threats are growing concerns about the possible use of nuclear weapons, biological warfare and the unfolding impact of climate change.
However, according to Doomsday Clock experts, artificial intelligence – if properly regulated and used – can have a significant positive impact on the security of humanity.
What is the Doomsday Hour and why is it close to midnight?
Doomsday Hour a In Manhattan Project was created by participating scientists, they are the first American research group to create an atomic bomb. The first “Doomsday Clock” was set seven minutes before midnight on the cover of the magazine “Bulletin of Atomic Scientists” in 1947. It has been changed 25 times in the last 77 years, last year it was changed for the first time 90 seconds before midnight. There are several reasons behind the decision to move the clock closer than two minutes to the end, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, increased funding by nuclear powers for their nuclear weapons programs and the threat of climate change.
Rachel BronsonPhD, President and CEO of the Bulletin, said:
“Don’t get me wrong: setting the clock back 90 seconds to midnight does not mean the world is stable. On the contrary. Governments and communities worldwide must act urgently. The Bulletin continues to hope and inspire younger generations to lead the initiative,”
he added.
What makes artificial intelligence such a big threat to humanity?
Like all technology, AI is only as dangerous as the people using it. However, one of the most significant technological developments of the past year was already widespread in governments, industry and education before any meaningful regulation could be introduced.
Experts at the Bulletin warn that artificial intelligence has great potential to “magnify disinformation and undermine the information environment needed to solve the big global problems on which democracy depends.” They suggest that this could make it more difficult to manage nuclear, biological or other risks.
The military use of artificial intelligence in the fields of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, simulation and training is becoming more and more widespread. It is also used in weapons that can identify targets without human intervention or control. This is where the Bulletin scientists see the greatest risk.
“Decisions to use important physical systems, especially nuclear weapons, may indeed pose a direct existential threat to humanity,”
they warn.
Is this all bad news for humanity and AI developers?
While AI has been listed as a looming threat to humanity, it has also been listed as an opportunity to pull back from deadlock and move the clock further away from midnight. Countries and companies are beginning to recognize the need to regulate AI and are taking steps to reduce the risk of harm. These include the European Union and the US Biden administration’s new framework for safe use.
The Bulletin team also suggests that as nations work together to address the threat posed by artificial intelligence through international treaties and new UN organizations, this will reduce other risk factors as it gets the world talking.
Bill NyeAmerican engineer, presenter, when he participated in the announcement of the 2024 Doomsday clock, said:
“Scientists have been warning us about threats to humanity for decades. We face disaster if we don’t better manage the technologies we create. Now is the time to act.”
(source)
