For decades, scientists have aspired to develop computers that can think like humans, leading to concerns about their autonomous actions. In 2023, President Biden issued an executive order to regulate AI development, but President Trump later repealed it, claiming this regulation stifled innovation. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin argues that regulation is crucial for responsible AI use. He believes AI has the potential to enhance fields like health and education but warns against a lack of deliberate oversight. In his book, *AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence*, he characterizes today's AI as "amplified intelligence, " which excels at data pattern recognition but lacks true understanding, likening it to a parrot that mimics without comprehension. Rivlin foresees both positive and negative outcomes of AI, including dire scenarios like the creation of new pandemics or massive cybercrime.

He compares AI's transformative potential to the automotive industry, highlighting that while it can bring great benefits, it also poses significant challenges. In his interview, Rivlin expresses concern over the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech leaders, warning that their agendas may prioritize profit over ethical considerations. He notes that giants like Google may stumble due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, while nimble startups like OpenAI can innovate rapidly. He remains optimistic about AI's capabilities in education and healthcare, suggesting AI could revolutionize these fields by providing accessible tutoring and advancing medical therapies. However, he cautions that while AI holds promise, the extent of its negative consequences remains uncertain. Rivlin points out that the underlying mechanisms of AI, rooted in neural networks, are not yet fully understood, posing both awe and apprehension about its future.