SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son Has Rare Cautionary Note on AI Safety

Speaking at a tech forum in Kyoto, Masayoshi Son called for global cooperation on AI safeguards, warning that superintelligence could pose a greater threat than conflict between humans if misused. Bloomberg tech editor Mayumi Negishi said the caution marks a notable shift in tone from the longtime technology optimist, though Son remains strongly bullish on AI. He estimates AI machines could account for at least 20% of global GDP—about $46 trillion—by 2040, and suggested investors could see 50-fold returns over roughly 15 years. Negishi also noted that SoftBank has committed about $65 billion to OpenAI. Son continues to describe AI as a potential source of hope and greater happiness, while emphasizing that its capabilities and associated risks are growing rapidly. Original filename: 20261005_015541_Masayoshi_Son_Warns_AI_Could_Become_Super_Dangerous_in_the.mp4 (Source: Bloomberg)