Two of the most brilliant and powerful people were clearly at odds when it comes to artificial intelligence.
First, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk takes a pessimistic view of the risks associated with such technology. "I keep ringing the alarm," he told the National Association of Governors last June. "But until people do not see robots on the street, killing people, they will not know how to act because the subject seems very ethereal."
Instead, Facebook director Mark Zuckerberg said Sunday that Musk's bitter warnings are exaggerated and described himself as "an optimist." "I do not understand the detractors who try to describe apocalyptic scenarios," he said during a live question and answer session on the social network. "It's really negative and, somehow, I think it's pretty irresponsible."
Musk counterattacked on Twitter Tuesday, where he said Zuckerberg is out of his element. "I've talked to Mark about this. His understanding of the subject is limited, "he wrote.
The round trip illustrates a rift between two tech magnates whose companies work on projects related to artificial intelligence (AI). Zuckerberg, who leads the world's largest social network with 2 billion users, has a full-fledged AI team of researchers working to build face and voice recognition programs. Musk's electric car company, meanwhile, uses the technology to improve the auto-driving characteristics of its vehicles.
The discussion also points to its different public figures. Zuckerberg is known for his measured statements as well as for his confidence that technology will improve the world. Musk, on the other hand, is not afraid to make difficult observations on many issues, whether the danger of cognitive networks or his theory that humans are actually characters that we live in a simulation.
During his address at the governors' meeting, Musk defended government regulation of AI, arguing that technology could "pose a fundamental risk to the existence of civilization."
In the session on Facebook, Zuckerberg said that the benefits of AI far outweigh any possible consequences. "When discussing AI, we are arguing against the safest cars, which will not suffer accidents," he said. "And against being able to provide more accurate diagnoses for the sick. I do not understand how, honestly, someone could do that. "
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