Hinton's Landmark Speech at WAIC: A Call for Ethical AI

Geoffrey Hinton, renowned as the 'father of AI' and a double Turing Award winner, made his inaugural visit to China during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC). His presence and insights drew significant attention from the global AI community.

The Opening Ceremony Address

On July 26, Hinton's speech at the WAIC opening ceremony went viral. He expressed deep concerns about the future of artificial intelligence, particularly its potential to surpass human intelligence. Using a vivid metaphor, Hinton warned against "raising a tiger as a pet," emphasizing the unpredictable risks of unchecked AI development.

Dialogue on AI Risks and Ethics

Later that day, Hinton participated in the Frontiers of Science plenary session, engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with Zhou Bowen, Director of the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. During this exchange, Hinton elaborated on his views about AI risks. He stressed that while advancing AI technology is crucial, equal emphasis must be placed on ensuring AI remains aligned with human values.

"We need to explore how to make AI 'good,'" Hinton remarked. Although he acknowledged that such technology is not yet fully realized, he described it as a critical direction for future research.

The Dual Nature of AI

Hinton's remarks highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence—its immense potential for societal benefit contrasted with its existential risks. He called for a balanced approach, urging researchers to prioritize ethical frameworks alongside technical advancements.

Key Points:

• Geoffrey Hinton made his first appearance in China at WAIC 2025.
• He warned of AI's potential to outpace human intelligence and stressed ethical considerations.
• Hinton advocated for developing "benevolent AI" to mitigate risks.
• His dialogue with Zhou Bowen underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in AI research.