Yuval Harari: "AI Competition May Lead to Exploitation Between Nations... Human Distrust Fuels the Danger"

Yuval Harari Holds Press Conference in Korea on the 20th
AI Is on a Different Level from Previous Scientific Revolutions
Beyond Merely a 'Tool' for Humanity
Preparation for Risks Is Necessary
Blind Development Driven by 'Human Distrust' and Competition

"If AI is monopolized by a few countries, they might conquer and exploit the rest of the world just like during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution."

At a press conference held on the 20th at the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, author Yuval Harari expressed the above concern. He warned, "Countries that lead in AI could dominate other nations militarily and economically, turning the world into an AI empire."

Yuval Harari is giving a greeting at the press conference for the release of his new book "Nexus" held on the 20th at the Roh Moo-hyun Citizen Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

This is Yuval Harari's third visit to Korea. He explained, "My visit was delayed due to COVID-19, the crisis threatening Israeli democracy, and the recent war with Hamas." He pointed out that global security instability threatens many lives, and AI is one of the pillars of such anxiety.

Yuval Harari expressed concern over the too rapid development of AI without adequate preparation for its risks. All human inventions so far have been 'tools' used by humans, but AI has gone beyond that category. He explained, "The invention of AI is completely different from previous scientific revolutions. If you think it can be controlled like previous inventions, then you do not understand AI at all," adding, "It is like releasing highly intelligent independent agents into the world."

He cited 'human mutual distrust' as the reason why global big tech companies are so focused on AI development despite these risks. He said that the global big tech CEOs he met all worry about AI's dangers, yet they are anxious because "they cannot trust their human competitors. If they lose the competition, those competitors will rule the world." He elaborated, "They say they cannot trust fellow humans but can trust AI, which is like an alien."

Yuval Harari emphasized the need for control over AI. He said, "Information technology has advanced more than ever in human history, but communication between people has become more difficult," pointing out that "on SNS (social networking services), chatbots and algorithms intentionally spread fake news, destroying human trust."

Regarding the recent martial law situation in Korea, he said, "At first, I thought a coup had occurred in North Korea and thought 'finally,' but even in South Korea, it would not be surprising." He explained, "Historically, in democratic countries, coups by ruling parties' loyalists have been much more common," adding, "Many dictators initially seized power using the law but later destroyed the law to maintain power." While cautious about the Korean situation, he analyzed, "Historically, dictators destroyed the press and judiciary. In such situations, elections become meaningless."

He also pointed out how politics is changing into a reality show. He diagnosed, "Algorithms do not care about the truth. They only try to increase user engagement by stimulating anger, greed, and fear," and said this aspect is evident in political news as well. Referring to former U.S. President Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, where Trump said, "This will be a great TV show. I guarantee it," Harari commented, "Politicians’ words are increasingly shocking people. It’s not politics but a reality show."

However, he advised not to fear AI. If used positively, new technology’s advantages can be effectively utilized. He recommended an information diet, emphasizing, "Even if food is good, overeating is not good for the body. Similarly, you should be mindful of when, where, what, and how much information you consume, and then make sure to have time to digest it."