Google billionaire Eric Schmidt booed over AI comments at graduation speech

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed repeatedly during a commencement speech at the University of Arizona after he brought up artificial intelligence. In his speech, Schmidt, who was Google’s CEO from 2001 through 2011 before serving as its executive chairman for four years, told graduates that they will “help shape artificial intelligence.” He pivoted to the subject of AI after a discussion of developments in computer technology. At the mention of AI, the jeers began.

“I know what many of you are feeling about that,” Schmidt said, responding to the crowd. “I can hear you.”

Despite the negative reaction, Schmidt pressed onward.

“If you don’t care about science, that’s OK, because AI is going to touch everything else as well,” Schmidt said at one point in his speech, prompting another loud wave of boos. “Whatever path you choose, AI will become part of how the work is done.”

“You can now assemble a team of AI agents to help you with the parts that you…