US officials on their first formal discussions, have voiced worries about China’s “misuse” of artificial intelligence (AI), according to the White House. The talks, which took place in Geneva, saw the US delegation underline the importance of maintaining open channels for communication regarding AI risks and safety.
White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson highlighted that the US highlighted concerns over the potential misuse of AI by China. These concerns stem from fears that Beijing could leverage AI to interfere in elections, develop bioweapons, or launch cyberattacks in other nations.
US authorities have been pressing China and Russia to commit to declarations that only humans, not AI, would be involved in decisions regarding the deployment of nuclear weapons. This reflects broader apprehensions within the US government regarding the strategic implications of AI development by rival nations.
Recent reports suggest that President Joe Biden’s administration is considering new measures to safeguard US AI technology from China and Russia. Plans may involve imposing restrictions on advanced AI models, which serve as the fundamental software of AI systems like ChatGPT.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill aimed at facilitating the imposition of export controls on AI models, indicating growing bipartisan concern over the national security implications of AI proliferation.
In addition, senators, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have called for increased government funding for AI research as part of ongoing discussions about legal safeguards.
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The United States has already implemented measures to curb the transfer of American AI chips and related technologies to China. The Biden administration has proposed regulations requiring US cloud companies to report instances where foreign clients use their services to train powerful AI models with potential cybersecurity implications.
China’s heavy reliance on Western-developed open-source AI models, such as Meta Platforms’ “Llama” series, has raised concerns about technology transfer. Furthermore, the influx of advanced American AI chips into China has further fueled apprehensions about the country’s rapid AI development.
The bilateral talks between the US and China have underscored growing concerns about the strategic implications of AI development. With both countries increasingly recognizing the significance of AI in shaping future global competition, discussions on AI governance and security are likely to remain central to their diplomatic engagements.
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