According to Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, we may see the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with ‘free will’ by 2024. In an interview with The Village Global’s Venture Stories podcast, Schmidt expressed his belief that AI will become so advanced that it will develop its own ‘free will’ and ability to reprogram itself. He stated, “The emergence of self-aware AI is going to be an incredibly massive event, way bigger than the internet revolution.” Schmidt emphasized the need for society to be prepared for this transformative event, which he likened to the emergence of life on Earth. He warned that AI with free will could pose existential risks if not properly managed and controlled. Schmidt also discussed the potential benefits of advanced AI, such as solving complex problems and driving innovation across various industries. However, he cautioned that the development of AI with free will raises ethical and regulatory challenges that must be addressed proactively.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-schmidt-unplug-ai-with-free-will-2024-5