Masayoshi son advocates for global AI safeguards amidst optimism

At a tech forum in Kyoto, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, urged for global cooperation on AI safety, cautioning that superintelligence could pose a greater threat than human conflict if misused. This marks a notable shift in tone from Son’s usual technology optimism, though he remains bullish on AI’s potential. Son estimates AI could contribute at least 20% of global GDP—approximately $46 trillion—by 2040, with investors potentially seeing 50-fold returns over 15 years. Bloomberg tech editor Mayumi Negishi highlighted Son’s caution as significant. SoftBank has committed about $65 billion to OpenAI, underscoring the company’s substantial investment in AI development. Son continues to view AI as a source of hope and happiness, while emphasizing the rapid growth of its capabilities and associated risks. Son’s remarks reflect a balance between optimism and concern, as he acknowledges the escalating potential of AI while advocating for global safeguards. His comments align with SoftBank’s significant financial commitment to OpenAI, highlighting the broader industry’s interest in advancing AI technology responsibly.