AI 'godfather' shortens odds on tech wiping out humanity within decades

The British-Canadian computer scientist who has been called a "godfather" of artificial intelligence has shortened the odds of AI wiping out humanity over the next three decades, saying the pace of change in the technology is "much faster" than expected.

- Dan Milmo

Prof Geoffrey Hinton, who this year was awarded the Nobel prize in physics for his work in AI, said there was a "10 to 20" per cent chance that AI would lead to human extinction within the next three decades.

Previously, Hinton had said there was a 10% chance of the technology triggering a catastrophic outcome for humanity. Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if he had changed his analysis, he said: "Not really, 10 to 20 [per cent]."