Famed mathematician weighs in on science, monopolies and trust in the AI era

Mathematical prodigy and modern-day genius: Terence Tao, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history, has made significant contributions to the field and continues to tackle some of the most challenging problems in mathematics.

• Tao’s exceptional talent was evident from a young age, winning medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad between the ages of 11 and 13.
• He achieved remarkable academic milestones, earning his PhD at 21 and becoming a professor at 24.
• At the age of 31, Tao was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal, often considered the Nobel Prize of mathematics.

Tackling a million-dollar problem: Tao is currently focusing his efforts on solving the Navier-Stokes equations, one of the seven Millennium Problems that carry a $1 million prize for their resolution.

• The Navier-Stokes equations are fundamental to fluid dynamics and have significant implications for various scientific and engineering applications.
• Solving this problem could lead to breakthroughs in weather prediction, aerodynamics, and other fields relying on fluid mechanics.

Mathematical analysis in real-world applications: Tao recently applied his mathematical expertise to analyze the Venezuelan election results, demonstrating the practical implications of advanced mathematical thinking.

• He argued that the oddly round percentages reported in the election results were practically impossible to occur naturally.
• Tao’s analysis suggested that the results were likely manipulated, highlighting the power of mathematical reasoning in detecting irregularities in real-world data.

Perspectives on artificial intelligence: While acknowledging AI as a powerful technology with wide-ranging impacts, Tao maintains a measured view of its current capabilities and future potential.

• He believes that current AI systems still have significant limitations compared to human intelligence.
• Tao predicts that in 10-20 years, AI could become more capable, but humans will also have more experience in dealing with and understanding these technologies.

AI in mathematics: Tao recognizes the impressive achievements of AI in mathematical competitions but also notes their current limitations in comparison to human mathematicians.

• He believes AI will serve as useful assistants in mathematical research, aiding in calculations and providing insights.
• However, Tao thinks that creative breakthroughs and novel mathematical discoveries by AI are still far from becoming a reality.

Concerns about AI ownership and development: Tao expresses reservations about the concentration of AI development in the hands of a few large companies.

• He states, “It’s not good for something as important as AI to be a monopoly controlled by one or two companies.”
• Tao believes that open alternatives to proprietary AI systems will emerge over time, potentially democratizing access to this technology.

AI-generated deepfakes and societal trust: One of Tao’s primary concerns regarding AI technology is the potential for deepfakes to erode trust in visual media.

• He worries about the loss of trust in photos and videos as reliable sources of information.
• Tao emphasizes the need to develop new methods for verifying facts and authenticating digital content in an era of increasingly sophisticated AI-generated media.

Bridging mathematics and technology: Tao’s insights demonstrate the interconnectedness of pure mathematics and cutting-edge technology, showcasing how abstract mathematical thinking can provide valuable perspectives on real-world issues.

• His ability to apply mathematical analysis to diverse fields, from fluid dynamics to election integrity and AI development, highlights the versatility and power of mathematical reasoning.
• Tao’s balanced view on AI reflects a nuanced understanding of both the potential and limitations of this rapidly evolving technology.