Rishi Sunak and Elon Musk discussed topics like robots that can climb trees, AI companions, and a future with less work.
The Prime Minister had an unusual one-on-one talk with the billionaire and Tesla owner at the end of the week’s AI summit. During their friendly discussion, Mr. Musk took the lead, and the Prime Minister mostly asked the questions.
They discussed how London was a prominent center for the AI industry and how AI technology could change the way we learn.
However, the conversation also touched on some more concerning topics. Mr. Sunak acknowledged the worry that people have about losing their jobs to automation, and both agreed on the importance of having some kind of “referee” to oversee the advanced supercomputers of the future.
Elon Musk, a tech investor, and inventor, has invested in AI companies and used AI in his self-driving Tesla cars. However, he has expressed concerns about how AI could pose a risk to society and even human survival. He particularly worries about humanoid robots, saying that at least a car can’t follow you into a building or up a tree.
Rishi Sunak, who is enthusiastic about boosting tech investment in the UK, responded to Musk’s comments with a bit of humor, saying, “You’re not making a convincing case for it.”
It’s not a common sight to see a country’s Prime Minister interviewing a businessman like this, but Sunak seemed pleased to host Musk, considering his background in California, known for Silicon Valley, and his interest in technology.
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The event took place in a large hall at Lancaster House in central London, with a select audience from the tech industry. It’s worth noting that unlike most events involving the Prime Minister, TV cameras were not allowed inside, and Downing Street released its own video footage. Reporters present were also instructed not to ask questions.
During their conversation, Musk and Sunak talked about the positive aspects of AI. Musk mentioned that one of his sons has difficulty making friends and suggested that an AI friend could be a helpful solution. They also agreed that AI has the potential to be an excellent and patient tutor for young people.
Musk issued a serious warning about how AI could greatly harm traditional jobs, calling it the most destructive force in history. He even suggested that there might be a time when no jobs are necessary because AI can handle everything. This could have both positive and negative consequences, as it raises the question of how people will find meaning in life when work is no longer a necessity.
While there was a lot of philosophical discussion, there were no significant new announcements about how AI will be used and regulated in the UK. The only notable mention was the Prime Minister’s idea to use AI to enhance the government’s website.
Elon Musk was a prominent guest at the summit, but it seemed that his appearance with Rishi Sunak might not get much attention. Just before the event, Musk used his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to make a dig at the summit. He shared a cartoon that satirized an “AI Safety Summit” with characters representing the UK, EU, China, and the US. The speech bubbles said they recognized the potential dangers of AI, but their thought bubbles showed they were eager to develop it anyway.
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Ultimately, both Rishi Sunak and Elon Musk seemed comfortable during their conversation. Sunak, in particular, appeared to be enjoying the discussion with the controversial billionaire, whom he referred to as a brilliant innovator and technologist.
From the perspective of observers, it was unclear who held more power in this interaction. Was it Sunak, who asked questions to the celebrity tech billionaire, or was it Musk, who did most of the talking? Regardless, both men aim to influence the direction of our AI future.