http://news.investors.com/technology-click/122115-786268-artificial-intelligence-alarmists-nominated-for-luddite-award.htm

Apparently even tech industry luminaries like Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA) co-founder Elon Musk and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) co-founder Bill Gates can be Luddites. That’s one takeaway from the 2015 Luddite Award nominations, announced Monday by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
The annual awards were established to recognize the most egregious examples of governments, organizations and individuals stymieing the progress of technological innovation. The ITIF released 10 nominations for the dishonor, led by alarmists including Musk and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, “touting an artificial intelligence apocalypse.” Gates also has raised concerns about unchecked AI threatening humanity. The “winner” will be announced in late January.
“The purpose of the Luddite Award is to point out glaring examples of how misunderstood self-interest or misbegotten ideology can stifle progress. It is important for policymakers to recognize the pattern and steadfastly champion innovation,” ITIF President Robert Atkinson said in a statement. “Innovation is a wellspring of human progress. It provides higher living standards, better health, a cleaner environment, increased access to information and countless other benefits. Yet too many people stubbornly oppose it.”

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