"Artificial Intelligence's Perilous Future" underscores: Among tech leaders, just one acknowledges the genuine threats posed by AI.
Demis Hassabis, the British computer scientist and CEO of Google DeepMind, has been at the forefront of AI research and development for over two decades. Born in London in 1976, Hassabis earned a degree in computer science from Cambridge University and a PhD in cognitive neuroscience from University College London. He is best known for co-founding DeepMind and leading the development of advanced AI systems like AlphaGo and AlphaFold, which have made significant strides in the fields of game theory and protein folding, respectively.
In recent years, Hassabis has become a prominent figure in the ongoing debate about AI risks and regulations. While his direct quotes on the matter are not readily available, his professional role and public profile offer some insights into his stance. As the leader of DeepMind, a pioneering AI research lab that works on artificial general intelligence (AGI), Hassabis has demonstrated a commitment to balancing cutting-edge AI development with ethical and safety considerations.
Hassabis's advocacy for responsible AI development and risk assessment and regulation is not unique within the industry. Many AI leaders, including Hassabis, emphasise the importance of ensuring AI benefits humanity while minimising harm. The sale of DeepMind to Google in 2014 was conditioned on the creation of an ethics board for AI, reflecting Hassabis's commitment to addressing ethical concerns in AI development.
In February 2023, Hassabis warned about the long-term risks of AI and advocated for the establishment of an international body to regulate this technology. His call for regulation echoes the concerns of other AI experts, such as Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "Godfather of AI." Hinton, a former Google employee, has spoken out about the risks of artificial intelligence and has expressed concern about the handling of risks in the tech industry.
In a recent podcast episode called "One Decision," Hinton stated that "most" employees of technology companies understand the risks of AI but are not acting on them. Hinton's statements suggest a widespread awareness of the risks associated with AI among tech industry insiders but a lack of action to address them.
The world of AI, according to Hinton, seems to be lacking in love currently. Hinton has also referred to many tech leaders as "oligarchs," implying a concern about the concentration of power and influence in the tech industry. This sentiment was echoed by Hinton's comment that a leading tech CEO is aware of the potential dangers of technology.
While some company insiders believe Hassabis could be in the running for the CEO position, Hassabis resigned from Google in 2024 to discuss the dangers of AI more openly. His resignation underscores his commitment to advocating for the ethical and safe development of AI.
In conclusion, Demis Hassabis, as the CEO of Google DeepMind, has been a leading figure in the AI industry for over two decades. While his direct quotes on AI risks and regulations are not readily available, his professional role and public profile suggest that he supports responsible AI development and the need for risk assessment and regulation to ensure AI benefits humanity while minimising harm. For a more precise and up-to-date summary of his views on AI risks and regulations, as of July 2025, you may need to consult recent interviews, talks, or opinion pieces directly from him or DeepMind’s official communications.
What are Hassabis's thoughts on the regulation of artificial intelligence technology? Hassabis, as a leading figure in the AI industry, has advocated for the establishment of an international body to regulate this technology, reflecting his concerns about the long-term risks posed by AI.
