David Sacks, a prominent adviser to former President Trump on technology, has shared his views with CBS News regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Sacks believes concerns about AI’s potential threat to humanity are overstated. He stresses the importance of continued development, although with necessary caution.
In a statement to CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent, Sacks remarked, “I think this is becoming a panic.” He emphasized the political motives that might amplify such fears during election seasons and urged for a rational examination of the issue.
Sacks’ commentary is set against a backdrop of growing apprehension about advanced AI platforms potentially causing harm. On September 8, Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at Anthropic, warned that companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are “gambling with our lives” by pursuing self-improving “superintelligence.” Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, acknowledged the dangers associated with AI, stating that the industry had misled the public about technology risks.
“If you can’t control it, then don’t do it,” Sacks stated.
During an exclusive CBS News interview, Sacks underscored the responsibility of AI developers to ensure their products’ safety. “First and foremost, it is on them to make their products safe,” he said. He suggested that these companies should clearly communicate their safety measures, and if unable to do so, step aside for others who can.
Sacks, who holds the co-chair position on Mr. Trump’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, expressed concerns about AI companies inducing public fear without needing government intervention. “Why are you acting like this is something that you can’t control?” he questioned, referencing Amodei’s comments.
He concluded, “Now, look at the end of the day, I think these risks can be managed, and I do not want to stop.” As a venture capitalist, Sacks has a track record of investing in major tech enterprises such as Airbnb, SpaceX, and Facebook, according to Craft Ventures, the investment firm he co-founded.
Competitive Implications
In contrast, key figures in the tech sector like Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have called for slowing AI development to avert potential harm. This concern arises from the concept of superintelligence, where AI might surpass human cognitive abilities, a stage researchers predict could occur within one to ten years.
President Trump, however, rejected the idea of imposing stricter regulations on AI development, asserting the industry is already regulated adequately. Sacks mirrored this sentiment, warning that limiting AI development could put the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage with countries like China, which have made significant advances in AI technology.
Sacks noted, “If we just pause all development, they will race ahead. It’s pretty clear they’re not going to stop.”
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