Busch says AI will not wipe out humanity

Ebba Busch and Mikael Damberg do not believe artificial intelligence will bring about humanity’s end, but say the risks should be taken seriously, SVT reports.

Several leading figures in AI have warned that the technology could have devastating consequences. Geoffrey Irving, who previously worked at companies including OpenAI, recently predicted there was about a 50 per cent risk that “we all die” because of AI systems smarter than humans.

Damberg, the Social Democrats’ economic policy spokesperson, said the discussion and predictions of doom made him concerned. “It is important that the AI systems being developed around the world are safe. Otherwise, we will have big problems,” he said.

Busch, the Christian Democrats’ leader and deputy prime minister in the caretaker government, and Damberg spoke to SVT at an event in Stockholm this week. It was held as AI company Nvidia sells a supercomputer to the Wallenberg sphere.

Busch said she did not think AI would mean the end of humanity, but added that “AI must serve people”. She said a clear basic framework was needed, while warning that Sweden must not be so afraid of AI that it fails to attract necessary investment. She compared AI to fire, saying the technology could be used for good or bad.

Damberg also called for international rules to ensure AI systems do not pose an existential threat. Asked whether too many European rules could leave the region behind the United States and China in the AI race, he said a review of existing rules was under way.

He said he was optimistic about AI’s future, citing its potential to help cure diseases and address climate challenges. “I believe humanity will manage this technological shift too,” he said.