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DeepMind boss found a flaw in Musk's Mars plan. He's not the first.

Dec 07, 2023 · businessinsider.com
DeepMind boss found a flaw in Musk's Mars plan. He's not the first.
Elon Musk's ambitious plan to colonize Mars by 2050 has been met with skepticism from several quarters. DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis pointed out a potential flaw in Musk's plan, suggesting that superintelligent AI could follow humans to Mars and pose a threat to humanity. This reportedly left Musk speechless and led him to invest in DeepMind to stay close to the technology. Other critics include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who believes funding healthcare is a better use of resources, and four scientists who argue that forming a colony on the moon is more realistic.

The plan has also been criticized for its ethical implications, with filmmaker Werner Herzog calling it a "mistake" and an "obscenity." Herzog believes that humans should focus on maintaining Earth's habitability rather than seeking a new home. Despite the criticisms, Musk, known for his concerns about AI, has since launched his own AI company and an AI-powered chatbot. Both Musk and Hassabis have not responded to requests for comment.

Key takeaways

  • Elon Musk plans to colonize Mars by 2050, arguing that humans need to become a multi-planet species to survive threats like overpopulation.
  • DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has pointed out a potential flaw in Musk's plan, suggesting that superintelligent AI could follow humans to Mars and pose a threat to humanity.
  • Other critics of Musk's plan include Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, who believes funding healthcare and vaccine development is a better use of resources, and four scientists who argue that forming a colony on the moon is more realistic.
  • Filmmaker Werner Herzog has also criticized Musk's plan, calling it a "mistake" and an "obscenity," and suggesting that humans should focus on keeping Earth habitable.
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