Christopher Nolan, atomic bomb and AIs: ‘terrible possibility’

Christopher Nolan reflected on the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in cinema and drew a parallel with the theme of his newest film, Oppenheimeron a panel after the screening of the film in New York (via Variety).

“The rise of companies over the last 15 years talking about an algorithm – not knowing what it means, no mathematical sense… These guys don’t know what an algorithm is,” said the filmmaker. “Applying that to AI, it’s a dire possibility. […] AI systems will be in charge of nuclear weapons. […] We have to hold accountable what people do with the tools they have,” he continued.

nolan He also spoke about the union strike taking place in the United States: “With the labor disputes going on in Hollywood right now, a lot of it — when we talk about AI, when we talk about these problems — is generated by the same thing, which is when you innovate with technology , you have to take responsibility.”

Oppenheimerdepicts the story of the scientist of the same name who created the atomic bomb. The physicist condemned the use of the weapon at the end of World War II (1939-1945) and expressed regret for having participated in the development of the technology. Similarly, the forerunner of AI Geoffrey Hinton stated to The New York Times: “My consolation is to think that if I hadn’t done it, someone else would have.”