In First AI Dialogue, US Raises Concerns Over China's "Misuse" of AI as Beijing Protests Washington's Restrictions
US officials express concerns about China's alleged misuse of AI in the first AI dialogue between the two countries. Beijing rebukes Washington over its restrictions and pressure on artificial intelligence. The talks highlight the tension between the US and China regarding the rapidly advancing technology.
The closed-door talks, held in Geneva, focused on the risks associated with AI and ways to effectively manage them. The summaries of the discussions revealed the underlying tension between the two global powers regarding the rapidly advancing technology, which has become a contentious issue in their bilateral relations.
The dialogue between China and the United States marked the first of its kind and was a result of a meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco last November. The talks highlighted both concerns and hopes surrounding the promising yet potentially perilous nature of AI.
According to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, the discussions were "candid and constructive," with both sides exchanging perspectives on their respective approaches to AI safety and risk management. The United States emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems to fully realize the benefits of AI. However, Watson also mentioned that the US raised concerns about the misuse of AI, without providing further details about the specific type of misuse or the actors involved.
In response, Beijing expressed a strong stance against the US restrictions and pressure in the field of artificial intelligence. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs criticised the US in a social media post, highlighting the country's concerns over the limitations imposed by the Commerce Department on access to advanced computer chips that can be used for AI. Additionally, President Biden signed an executive order in August to restrict US investments in China's AI industry.
China has been advocating for the United Nations to play a leading role in the global governance of AI, a move that could potentially sideline the US. Both sides acknowledged that while AI presents opportunities, it also poses risks, as stated in the Chinese statement.
China has already established one of the world's most intrusive digital surveillance systems, which incorporates AI technology. This system includes the deployment of cameras in city streets and the tracking of citizens through chat apps and mobile phones. The US expressed its desire to maintain open communication with China on AI risk and safety as part of responsibly managing competition, alluding to the multifaceted and growing rivalry between the two economic powerhouses.
Helen Toner, an analyst at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology, emphasised that the success of these talks will be determined by their continuation in the future. AI is already significantly impacting various aspects of society, including lifestyles, jobs, national defense, culture, and politics, and its role is expected to continue expanding.
While China has previously acknowledged the need to regulate AI, it has also invested heavily in the field to secure a leading position in cutting-edge technologies. Some US lawmakers have expressed concerns that China may exploit AI-generated deepfakes to spread political disinformation. However, unlike the US, China has implemented laws banning manipulative AI fakery.
US officials express concerns about China's alleged misuse of AI in the first AI dialogue between the two countries.
Beijing rebukes Washington over its restrictions and pressure on artificial intelligence.
The talks highlight the tension between the US and China regarding the rapidly advancing technology.
Source: AP NEWS