Yoshua Bengio, a pioneering computer scientist and recipient of the Turing Award, has issued a stark warning about the future of artificial intelligence. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, originally published in October 2025 and now republished by Fortune, Bengio emphasized that hyperintelligent AI systems could pose an existential risk to humanity within the next ten years.
Concerns Over Rapid AI Development
Bengio, often referred to as one of the godfathers of AI, has long been a vocal advocate for responsible AI development. His latest remarks come amid growing concerns over the rapid advancement of AI technologies and the lack of sufficient safety measures. He warned that as AI systems become more autonomous and powerful, the risk of unintended consequences escalates dramatically.
"We are heading toward a future where AI systems may surpass human intelligence," Bengio stated. "If we don't take proactive steps to ensure safety and alignment, we could be in for a very difficult decade."
Call for Global AI Safety Standards
The computer scientist stressed the urgent need for international cooperation and robust regulatory frameworks to govern AI development. He advocated for a model similar to the Law Zero concept, a proposed set of principles aimed at ensuring AI systems remain beneficial and aligned with human values.
Bengio’s warning is particularly significant given the increasing influence of AI in critical sectors such as healthcare, defense, and finance. His concerns are echoed by other prominent figures in the AI community, who are calling for a pause in certain high-risk research initiatives.
Implications for the Future
As governments and tech companies grapple with how to manage AI’s rapid evolution, Bengio’s warning serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. His call for immediate action underscores the need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while mitigating risks.
With AI poised to reshape every aspect of society, the question is no longer whether we can control it, but whether we can do so in time.
