Public Wants Action After Elon Musk Warns About AI Weaponry and ‘Killer Robots’

A new study from MACHINA Summit.AI shows that the overwhelming majority of Brits (75 percent) believe that the UK needs new regulations to control artificial intelligence. These findings come in the wake of Tesla boss Elon Musk’s recent dire warnings that ‘AI is our biggest risk existential threat.’

The survey reveals that 44 percent believe the UK Government should lead new AI regulations. 28 percent prefer an independent global body to take control, with just 11 percent wanting the technology industry to head it up. Post-Brexit, the EU gained a paltry 8 percent support.

Musk, with the support of 114 experts from 26 different countries, recently called on the UN to ban killer robots. Musk is concerned about the potential use of lethal autonomous weapons - drones, machine guns, tanks - on the battlefield. If ever used, the devastating effects of such weaponry on mankind will be catastrophic.

Bradley Maule-ffinch, director of Strategy, MACHINA Summit.AI, stated: “The results reveal that - although 65 percent agree with Zuckerberg’s view that AI has the potential to make the world better - people do want it to be closely regulated. Just over four in ten people believe the Government is best placed to do this, although the rest disagree or are undecided on who should lead on AI legislation.

"We look forward to hear more on the subject at MACHINA Summit.AI 2017, where experts such as Prof. Brian Cox and Prof. Stuart Russell will give their views on how AI should continue to evolve in the future.”

In further findings that support a regulatory approach, some 82 percent are concerned that AI will be misused by organisations. Another two-thirds (67 percent) are concerned about the development of AI that reflects negative or immoral preferences, with more than half (53 percent) shocked about the potential rise in the use of sexbots. 62 percent confirmed that they do not want to ‘live’ after they die by becoming an AI chat bot!

The effect of AI on jobs and the workplace is also a major worry for many people. A majority (69 percent) are bothered about being hired and fired by a robot with a further 48 percent concerned that AI will take over their jobs. And, 51 percent are worried about a robot becoming their boss.

Alarm about the superior intelligence of AI is reflected by fact that 55 percent are worried that AI will become more intelligent than humans. Next, 57 percent are also concerned about human creativity being squashed by AI’s role in music, design, writing and art.

Despite recent news on major trials for driverless trains, planes, automobiles and most recently lorries, four in 10 of us (41 percent) are concerned about being driven around by a driverless car, with over half (53 percent) worried about being flown by an AI-powered machine.