‘Godfather of AI’ says tech companies aren’t concerned with the AI endgame. They’re focused on short-term profits instead

Geoffrey Hinton standing in front of a white and grey background. (Credit: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND—AFP/Getty Images)

• Tech industry leaders are not usually thinking about the long-term consequences of AI when developing the technology, computer scientist and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton told Fortune. They are instead concerned with immediate research outcomes and short-term profits. Hinton, known as the “godfather of AI,” has long warned about the consequences of AI development without intention and guardrails.

Elon Musk has a moonshot vision of life with AI: The technology will take all our jobs, while a “universal high income” will mean anyone can access a theoretical abundance of goods and services. Provided Musk’s lofty dream could even become a reality, there would, of course, be a profound existential reckoning.