The debate around artificial intelligence (AI) is heating up, with divergent views on whether it will be beneficial or harmful for the world. Central to this discussion is Yoshua Bengio, often referred to as the "Godfather of AI. " At 60 years old, the Canadian computer scientist has significantly advanced neural networks and deep learning, laying the groundwork for contemporary AI models like ChatGPT and Claude. In a recent interview, Bengio emphasized the potential dangers of human-level AI, warning about the risk of it falling into malicious hands and the possibility of losing control over autonomous systems. Bengio, who shared the prestigious Turing Award in 2018 and was named the most cited computer scientist in 2022, is now advocating for caution as enthusiasm for AI grows, particularly among investors. For instance, Nvidia’s stock has soared by 162% this year. In evaluating major tech players in the AI field, Bengio pointed to Anthropic as the most ethically responsible, noting their commitment to safety and transparency, although he recognizes all companies face pressure to prioritize competitive advantage over public safety. He also discussed concerns about the soaring value of AI stocks and the implications of an unchecked AI market crash.

Regarding chip technology, he underscored its crucial role in the future of AI, predicting a need for significant investments in high-performance AI chips. Mentioning Salesforce's ambitious goal to deploy 1 billion autonomous agents by 2026, Bengio expressed apprehension about achieving such autonomy without proper regulatory and technological safeguards. Lastly, he criticized California Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 1047, expressing that the bill aimed to establish necessary regulations and accountability in AI development, which he believes should be prioritized. Overall, Bengio argues for a careful and transparent approach to AI development to mitigate risks and ensure safe advancements. Yasmin Khorram, a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance, contributed to the discussion.