DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says AGI may arrive by 2029, warns world unprepared (www.firstpost.com)

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has warned that humanity may be nearer to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) than previously thought, with a potential timeline as soon as 2029. Speaking after Google’s annual developer conference, he highlighted that recent advances in AI agents and autonomous systems signal significant progress towards AGI, which is defined as AI that can perform tasks at or beyond human-level competence. Hassabis underscored that the rapid evolution of AI tools could lead to "agentic" systems that operate independently, raising concerns about societal preparedness for the disruptive potential of such technologies. Emphasizing the urgency for regulatory measures, Hassabis argued that policymakers and economists must recognize the swift changes in AI capabilities and engage in broader discussions about its implications. He pointed out that current safety frameworks and oversight discussions among AI companies lack the necessary speed to keep up with advancements. As the industry faces the looming possibility of recursive self-improvement—where AI could begin to enhance its own capabilities—Hassabis believes there is a narrow window for society to adapt responsibly, warning that the pace of AI development could soon outstrip our ability to manage it effectively.