Urgent AI Threat Research Needed, Says Google Boss

Published: 20 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) demands urgent research into its potential threats, according to Sir Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind. Speaking exclusively to BBC News at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Sir Demis emphasized the need for “smart regulation” to address the genuine risks posed by AI technologies.

The AI Impact Summit, the largest global gathering of tech leaders and world leaders to date, brought together delegates from over 100 countries to discuss the future of AI governance. While many participants called for global oversight, the United States has taken a contrasting stance. Michael Kratsios, the White House technology adviser, stated, “AI adoption cannot lead to a brighter future if it is subject to bureaucracies and centralised control.”

Sir Demis identified two major threats posed by AI: its potential use by “bad actors” and the risk of losing control as AI systems grow increasingly autonomous and powerful. While he acknowledged that DeepMind could play a role in moderating AI progress, he stressed that his firm is “only one player in the ecosystem” and cannot unilaterally slow the development of the technology.

The challenge of keeping regulators up to date with AI advancements remains a significant concern. “The hard thing is keeping up with the pace of development,” Sir Demis said. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, also underscored the urgency of AI regulation during his speech at the summit, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged nations to collaborate for the benefits of AI.

Despite calls for global governance, the U.S. reiterated its rejection of such oversight. “As the Trump administration has now said many times: We totally reject global governance of AI,” said Kratsios, leading the U.S. delegation.

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, representing his government, stressed that ensuring AI safety is not solely the responsibility of tech companies. “Security and safety must come first, and it must benefit the wider public,” he said, urging collaboration between politicians and technology leaders.

On the question of AI supremacy, Sir Demis noted that the U.S. and the West currently lead China but warned that it may be only months before China closes the gap. He emphasized the responsibility to balance bold deployment with ethical considerations, admitting, “We don’t always get things right, but we get it more correct than most.”

Looking ahead, Sir Demis predicted that AI will become a “superpower” over the next decade, transforming what people can create. He highlighted the continued importance of STEM education, suggesting that technical expertise will remain an advantage in harnessing AI systems. AI-assisted coding, he said, will democratize the ability to build applications, shifting the focus toward creativity, taste, and judgment.

The AI Impact Summit concludes on Friday, with companies and governments expected to issue a joint perspective on how to manage the rise of artificial intelligence responsibly.

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