In a TIME interview, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis discusses the critical importance of AI safety and responsible development. He emphasizes that while AI progress is accelerating rapidly, safety measures must keep pace with advancement. Hassabis outlines DeepMind’s approach to developing AI systems, highlighting their focus on creating beneficial AI that can help solve complex global challenges. He addresses concerns about AI risks, acknowledging the need for robust safety protocols and international cooperation in AI governance. The article explores DeepMind’s achievements, including AlphaFold’s protein structure predictions and game-playing AI systems, while emphasizing the company’s commitment to ethical AI development. Hassabis argues for a balanced approach to AI regulation, supporting oversight while maintaining innovation. He discusses the potential of AI to address major scientific challenges, from climate change to healthcare, while stressing the importance of maintaining human control over AI systems. The interview reveals DeepMind’s vision for AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, with Hassabis emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration between AI companies, governments, and the public. He concludes by highlighting the importance of proactive measures in ensuring AI development benefits humanity while minimizing potential risks.