Elon Musk estimates the likelihood of a disaster linked to artificial intelligence (AI) at "10 to 20%" and campaigned for freedom of expression during a film festival event.
The tech mogul said at Cannes Lions on Wednesday that he tends to conform with AI godfather Geoff Hinton, who believes there is "10-20% probability of something terrible happening," according to Deadline. Though, Elon Musk explained that he was optimistic that AI may create a society of abundance where products and services are universally available, making employment optional.
Musk spoke with WPP CEO Mark Read on how AI impacts creativity, business, and society. Despite brand safety disputes with sponsors, he maintained free expression.
Elon Musk addressed his infamous November 2018 statement that "advertisers can go f*** themselves." He said his comment was not about marketers but stressed the significance of free expression. He said, "If it's a choice between censorship and money and free speech and losing money, we'll pick the second."
The owner of X condemned censorship but respected marketers' freedom to pick where their information appeared. Elon Musk noted that democracy is founded on free speech, hence X "must be a legal free speech platform" for it to be the world's "public square." Musk also acknowledged regretting certain statements he made, per the report.
Elon Musk emphasized that the X platform can reach the world's most significant intellectuals and leaders, and with the U.S. presidential election approaching, Musk said, "It's going to be interesting."
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2024
Elon Musk Trying to Win Advertisers
Despite management worries, Elon Musk is trying to win back X sponsors. According to The Financial Times, he is at Cannes to reassure advertisers and large companies about the social media platform's viability.
A person familiar with X's strategy claimed the firm is recovering from scandals, including loosened moderation norms, that drove large brands away.
Advertising experts said businesses are frightened of Musk's erratic behavior and right-wing conspiratorial ideas on the site. An agency executive remarked that advertisers "still have concerns" about the platform formerly known as Twitter, thus Elon Musk must convince them "why they should return."
The source added that the tech billionaire is facing a challenge greater than other platforms amid concerns that advertising on X seems like endorsing Elon Musk, who is a controversial figure.
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Advertising executives said X is not on their "preferred" list for brand clients. While not a restriction, it suggests that businesses should not utilize X for marketing. Another executive reportedly expressed significant concern about the current state of the company.
Tesla to Offer Stock Option to Top-Performing Employees
In a separate update, Tesla will give top performers additional stock options after shareholders approve Elon Musk's huge incentive plan.
Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla will give top performers additional stock options, as reported by TechTimes. This follows shareholders' ratification of the Tesla CEO's record pay.
A Delaware judge revoked Musk's bonus package for deceiving shareholders. Bloomberg reported that Tesla stopped employee stock pay a few weeks before the judge's ruling, adding to the complication.
Tesla employees have no stockholders fighting for their stock options, unlike Musk. Despite criticism and legal concerns, shareholders approved Musk's $56 billion compensation plan last week.
