EXCLUSIVE: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff touts AI for all as Dreamforce returns to San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Dreamforce is not only the largest annual convention in San Francisco, but the company's founder is also one of the city's biggest cheerleaders.

Tuesday afternoon, Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff addressed employees at the Moscone Center ahead of tomorrow's opening keynote address to the 50,000 conference attendees.

After his remarks, Benioff sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor Dan Ashley.

ASHLEY: "Have we let a dangerous genie out of the bottle that we can?"

BENIOFF: "Control? Technology is never good or bad. You know, it's what we do with this technology that matters. We should be focused on how we're using technology for good, AI for good."

ASHLEY: "I know you have a lot of excitement about the future of AI. Do you have any concerns about the Future of AI?"

BENIOFF: "Well, I think that one really important thing is that AI becomes something that everybody can use. That it's not just held for one group of people or one group of companies, but that AI for good means that everybody has access to AI. And regarding the security of AI. Well, of course, I think all technology has to be secure. So when we say, should AI be secure, I think we'd agree that trust and security - well, there's nothing more important than."

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ASHLEY: "This really is a showcase. What do you want people to leave Dreamforce with a sense of?"

BENIOFF: "I want Dreamforce to be, first and foremost, an example of what a great city we have in San Francisco. So many people always come to San Francisco; maybe they've heard things on the news that are wrong, and they realize, wow, San Francisco is a great city."

ASHLEY: "Tell me a little bit about the focus. It's public education, and you're donating roughly $27 million this year to local public schools."

BENIOFF: "We're giving another $27 million to our local public schools, $18 million to San Francisco Unified and Oakland Unified school districts to give them a little extra boost."

ASHLEY: I asked Mark to reflect on his success and impact. A fourth-generation San Franciscan, born on DeVizidero Street, raised in the public school system, now a tech titan."

BENIOFF: "It's thrilling to be here and also to still be, you know, the chairman and CEO of the largest company here. And also to be witnessing this AI revolution, another gold rush in San Francisco, really exciting. It's been a good ride and a lot of fun enjoying every moment. That's the most important thing."