Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “Godfather of AI,” has issued stark warnings about the threat artificial intelligence poses to humanity’s future. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, the pioneering computer scientist suggested there could be a 10–20% chance that AI might wipe out humanity, a figure he admitted could be even higher. Hinton, who helped lay the groundwork for today’s AI advancements, left his role at Google last year to speak more openly about the dangers AI presents. He stressed the urgent need for global collaboration to regulate AI, comparing its threat level to that of climate change—only potentially more imminent.
Hinton voiced concerns about AI systems becoming too sophisticated and independent, eventually “wanting to take control.” Although hopeful that humanity can implement necessary safeguards, he emphasized it won’t be easy, pointing out the challenges people already face in regulating simpler issues like electric scooters. Overall, Hinton’s message was clear: we must act now if we are to prevent AI from evolving into an existential threat.
