Clegg likens AI uproar to 80s 'moral panic' over video games
The Guardian|November 01, 2023
Nick Clegg has compared the clamour over artificial intelligence with the 1980s-era "moral panic" over video games, firing a warning shot to international politicians and regulators as they gather for a two-day summit on Al safety
Dan Milmo , Kiran Stacey , Hibaq Farah
Clegg likens AI uproar to 80s 'moral panic' over video games

The former deputy prime minister and president of global affairs at Mark Zuckerberg's Meta said Al was caught in a "great hype cycle" and that new technologies inspired a mixture of unwarranted zeal and optimism.

Officials are hoping to use the summit, which starts today at Bletchley Park, to kickstart a regulatory process that might mirror international attempts to combat climate change.

But Clegg's comments show how much resistance they are likely to encounter from some of the industry's most powerful companies.

"New technologies always lead to hype," he said. "They often lead to excessive zeal amongst the advocates and excessive pessimism amongst the critics. I remember the 80s. There was this moral panic about video games. There were moral panics about radio, the bicycle, the internet."

Referring to predictions that a highly powerful form of AI could emerge within years with revolutionary consequences, he added: "These predictions about what's going to happen next, what's going to happen just around the corner, often doesn't quite turn out as those who are most steeped in it believe." 

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView all
Bajrami and McCausland to the fore as Rangers seal impressive victory
The Guardian

Bajrami and McCausland to the fore as Rangers seal impressive victory

Rangers made a storming start to their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 win over Malmö in Sweden that should have been even more emphatic. Nedim Bajrami scored his first goal for the Ibrox club in less than a minute and Philippe Clement's side passed up several chances to add a second before the interval.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 27, 2024
Thames credit ratings cut to lower levels of junk as default fears grow
The Guardian

Thames credit ratings cut to lower levels of junk as default fears grow

Thames Water's debt rating has been slashed to the lower levels of junk by two major credit rating agencies, piling further pressure on the UK's biggest water company, which is rapidly running through cash and fighting to stave off renationalisation.

time-read
1 min  |
September 27, 2024
Austria Fears rise over prospect of far-right election win
The Guardian

Austria Fears rise over prospect of far-right election win

After topping the Austrian poll in June's EU elections, the far-right Freedom party (FPÖ) seized the moment, calling for the appointment of an EU \"remigration\" commissioner to be tasked with the forced return of migrants and citizens with a migration background to their countries of origin.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2024
'Cold and direct' Fayed's security chief accused of facilitating abuse
The Guardian

'Cold and direct' Fayed's security chief accused of facilitating abuse

It was May 1991 and Mohamed AI Fayed was in a foul mood. \"I told you, no sex with anybody else, no relationship with anybody else,\" he ranted.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 27, 2024
Allegations made over tycoon's years at Fulham FC
The Guardian

Allegations made over tycoon's years at Fulham FC

Sexual assault allegations have been made relating to Mohamed AI Fayed's 16 years of ownership of Fulham Football Club, lawyers representing his accusers have said.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2024
'No sane people are going' Leadership race casts pall over Tory conference
The Guardian

'No sane people are going' Leadership race casts pall over Tory conference

On Tuesday, four candidates will make their pitches to lead the Conservative party from a conference stage in Birmingham. Their immediate challenge after the Tory rout this summer will be to reinvigorate demoralised MPs and members.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 27, 2024
Pandemic as deadly as Covid-19 'a certainty', says Whitty
The Guardian

Pandemic as deadly as Covid-19 'a certainty', says Whitty

Another pandemic as big as the Covid crisis that killed 7 million people worldwide was \"a certainty\", Prof Sir Chris Whitty warned yesterday, as he said the UK's lack of intensive care capacity for the sickest patients was a \"political choice\".

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2024
Naomi Campbell banned as charity trustee for five years
The Guardian

Naomi Campbell banned as charity trustee for five years

Naomi Campbell has been banned from being a charity trustee after a watchdog investigation uncovered widespread evidence of financial misconduct at the poverty relief charity she founded.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2024
Family haunted by last moments of teenager killed by 12-year-olds
The Guardian

Family haunted by last moments of teenager killed by 12-year-olds

The family of a man killed by the UK's youngest knife murderers have said they are haunted by thoughts of his last moments and \"how scared he must have been\".

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2024
London rail stations to be shut for up to eight days over festive period
The Guardian

London rail stations to be shut for up to eight days over festive period

Some of London's main railway stations will be closed and train services diverted at Christmas time, Network Rail has said.

time-read
1 min  |
September 27, 2024