Artificial intelligence could help make it easier to build chemical and biological weapons, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned. In a worst-case scenario, society could lose all control over AI, preventing it from being switched off, Mr Sunak said. While the potential for harm is disputed, we must not “put our heads in the sand” over AI risks, he argued. In a speech aiming to present the UK as a world leader on AI, the PM said the technology was already creating jobs. He added that development of the technology would catalyse economic growth and productivity, though admitted it would have an impact on the labour market. The prime minister’s speech on Thursday morning set out the capabilities and potential risks posed by AI – including cyber attacks, fraud and child sexual abuse – following the publication of a government report. Mr Sunak said among the risks outlined in the report was that AI could be used by terrorist groups “to spread fear and disruption on an even greater scale”. Mitigating the risk of human extinction from AI should be a “global priority”, he said. But he added: “This is not a risk that people need to be losing sleep over right now and I don’t want to be alarmist.” He said that he was generally “optimistic” about the potential of AI to transform people’s lives for the better. A threat that will be much closer to home for many is the disruption AI is already bringing to jobs. Mr Sunak mentioned AI tools efficiently doing admin tasks like preparing contracts and helping to make decisions – traditionally roles carried out by employees.

Full story : Rishi Sunak says AI has threats and risks – but outlines its potential.