AI could lead to third world war, Elon Musk says
Tesla founder and entrepreneur Elon Musk has stated his belief that artificial intelligence would be the most likely cause of a third world war.
Musk’s comments come after a speech from Russian president Vladimir Putin, who warned that AI could become the ‘ruler of the world’ in the coming years.
The South-African born businessman, who recently signed a letter along with a raft of tech experts calling on the UN to ban killer robots, said AI posed a bigger threat to humanity than the current ongoing tensions around North Korea.
Speaking via Twitter, Musk wrote: “China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.”
Playing down the threat of a nuclear strike from Pyongyang, Musk added that it would not be a wise move from Kim Jong-un’s regime.
"NK launching a nuclear missile would be suicide for their leadership, as SK, US and China wd invade and end the regime immediately."
Earlier on Monday, Putin had told state-funded media organisation RT that there were 'colossal opportunities' that come with the use of AI, but concurrent threats running alongside those.
"Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world," Putin said.
"If we become leaders in this area, we will share this know-how with [the] entire world, the same way we share our nuclear technologies today," he added.