US, China launch AI safety discussions in Geneva
In a first-of-its-kind meeting, the United States and China are preparing to hold discussions in Geneva focusing on the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. A key concern to be addressed is the role of human decision-making in the deployment of nuclear weapons, with the U.S. advocating for a policy that ensures only humans, not AI, will make such critical decisions. The dialogue is a response to the rapid development of AI capabilities by both nations, which has raised concerns over national security and the potential for miscommunication.
The Geneva talks, expected to take place on May 13, 2024, are part of a broader initiative by the United States, European Union, and Britain to establish regulations on AI technology to protect individual privacy and security. U.S. officials aim to convey apprehensions regarding Beijing's application of AI, which is seen as a challenge to U.S. and allied security interests. While the Biden administration has expressed a desire to set "guardrails" on proprietary AI models to prevent technology misuse by countries like China and Russia, the talks are not anticipated to yield any joint statement or result in technical collaboration on AI research.
