Redazione RHC : 6 September 2025 16:07
Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “godfather of artificial intelligence,” recently shared his thoughts in a panel with the Financial Times. Despite his public image as an “AI whistleblower” after resigning from Google in 2023, Hinton clarified that his decision was driven more by his age and his desire to enjoy retirement than by a sudden breakup. However, he admitted that he took the opportunity to speak openly about the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
The conversation, which took place over lunch in London, highlighted his critical stances toward Western governments, particularly the United States, which he accuses of neglecting AI regulation in favor of geopolitical competition with China. Hinton stated that, on the contrary, China takes security issues very seriously, thanks in part to the technical background of its officials.
In July 2025, at the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai, Hinton reiterated his concerns. At 77, despite failing health, he gave a keynote address in which he warned of the dangers of “raising a tiger to cause trouble,” emphasizing the risks associated with the uncontrolled development of increasingly powerful systems. He did, however, recognize that AI has irreplaceable value in crucial sectors such as medicine, education, and climate.
Hinton proposed international cooperation to establish common “red lines,” inviting countries to share solutions to maintain the benign nature of artificial intelligence. According to him, a collaborative approach is essential, especially in the face of threats such as cyberattacks, manipulation of public opinion, and the development of autonomous weapons. With this in mind, he and over 20 experts signed the Shanghai Consensus on International Dialogue on AI Safety.
Beyond the technical debate, Hinton expressed critical judgments on the profit-driven nature of the executives of major American companies, including Elon Musk and Sam Altman. When asked who he trusted more, he responded with an ironic quote from Senator Lindsey Graham, comparing the choice to a dilemma with no safe path.
In fact, when the journalist, with his usual Western arrogance and prejudice, pressed him by asking if he could believe “China’s desire to safeguard the interests of all humanity,” Hinton He responded: “Can you trust the United States? Or can you trust (CEO) Zuckerberg?”
The meeting in China gave Hinton a firsthand look at local technology governance policies and practices. He emphasized that the widespread perception in the West that China prioritizes technological development over security is unfounded. On the contrary, he observed a strong commitment to balancing innovation and regulation, to the point that several foreign experts have stated they intend to draft reports to correct this image.
Finally, Hinton recalled his family’s historical ties to China, citing relatives who moved there in the mid-20th century and contributed to the country’s agricultural development. This personal connection made his first visit even more significant, reinforcing the belief that China will play a central role in the international governance of AI security.
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