The iconic “Doomsday Clock,” reflecting global dangers, has been set at 90 seconds to midnight due to various factors including the rise of artificial intelligence. The Clock, updated on January 23 by atomic scientists, indicates existential threats to humanity such as nuclear risks, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
Founded in 1945 by scientists including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Bulletin that publishes the Doomsday Clock has added AI as a new concern. The Bulletin highlights AI as a significant development in disruptive technology, potentially impacting physical threats if linked to devices that can alter the physical world.
The report notes AI’s growing use in military and information operations, potentially hindering the world’s ability to tackle other urgent threats. Countries are becoming aware of these concerns and are taking steps to regulate and minimize the harmful effects of technology.
China became the first country to issue effective AI regulations in August 2023, followed by the European Union’s provisional regulations in December 2023, which member states may choose to adopt. The United States, emerging as a hub for AI development, has not yet passed official legislation but President Joe Biden issued an executive order in October 2023 setting six new standards for AI safety and security.
Moreover, the Bulletin warns of AI and other information technologies accelerating authoritarian regimes’ abilities to monitor citizens’ activities and freedoms. Concerns are also raised about AI’s potential to influence political elections through fake news and information manipulation, especially ahead of the major global election season in 2024.