Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy Risks of AI becoming smarter than humans - web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee
11 snips
Sep 19, 2025 
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, discusses the critical risks of AI surpassing human intelligence. He argues for banning addictive algorithms that prioritize engagement over well-being, drawing parallels to addictive substances. Tim also emphasizes the need for regulations to manage AI safely, proposing a collaborative, international framework akin to CERN for AI research. He shares insights on data ownership through his Solid initiative, advocating for personal data control in an increasingly centralized digital world.
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Engagement-First AI Harms Users
- Social platforms train AI to maximize time-on-site, not human flourishing.
- That training makes systems push content that provokes and angers users for longer engagement.
Ban Addictive Algorithms
- Regulate addictive algorithms and treat them like harmful products.
- Make it illegal to deliberately design systems that intentionally addict users.
2016 Elections As A Wake-Up Moment
- The 2016 elections were a wake-up call for Tim about manipulation via the web.
- He realised platforms could be used to influence voters through targeted manipulation.
