May 20, 2024 Geoffrey Hinton, often regarded as the ‘godfather of AI’ for his pioneering work in neural networks, has voiced significant concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. In a recent discussion with the BBC, Hinton expressed his worries about AI’s potential to automate “lots of mundane jobs,” which could have profound effects on employment and societal structure.

To address these concerns, Hinton advised the British government to consider implementing a universal basic income (UBI). UBI involves providing a recurring cash payment to all adults within a population, regardless of their income or employment status, to help mitigate the economic disruption caused by AI. This policy recommendation reflects Hinton’s belief that while AI will increase productivity and generate wealth, it could also exacerbate income inequality and economic disparity without governmental intervention.

Hinton’s recommendation comes at a time when the concept of UBI is gaining traction globally, with experiments underway in various countries and regions, including South Africa, Kenya, India, and several cities in the United States. These initiatives are exploring UBI’s potential to alleviate poverty and provide financial stability in the face of increasing automation.

In his interview, Hinton underscored the urgent need for a cautious approach to AI development, citing the potential for AI to become an “extinction-level threat” to humans within the next two to three decades. His views add a critical dimension to the ongoing debate on how society should navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by advanced AI technologies.