As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, there are growing concerns about the development of artificial intelligence (AI). A subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from AI experts this week, discussing the potential risks of halting AI development. Many experts warned of the dangers of such a pause, especially the risk that China might continue to develop AI and dominate the field while the U.S. delays.
Experts warned senators that halting the development of artificial intelligence in America would only give more power to China to develop its own AI technology that favors its communist political system and increase the chances that China’s AI system becomes the global standard. This is a risk that America cannot afford to take.
Dr. Jason Matheny, president and CEO of RAND Corporation and commissioner of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, said it would be close to impossible to broker an international agreement to hit ‘pause’ on AI development. He also warned that it’s not clear how the U.S. would benefit from a pause and said a major goal should be to ensure that democracies lead the norms and standards around AI.
Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer and executive vice president of Palantir, went further by saying a pause would only give China a greater advantage in building AI that could become the standard. “A democratic AI is crucial,” Sankar added. “We will continue to build these guardrails around this, but I think ceding our nascent advantage here may not be wise.”
While the industry-led call for an AI pause made waves, it’s an idea Washington has largely ignored for many of the reasons the witnesses cited. Both senators and witnesses on Wednesday made it clear they are more interested in setting up regulations on AI to the extent possible rather than requiring a halt in research.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who chairs the subcommittee, asked witnesses to provide more detailed ideas on what those regulations might look like. Matheny said a way to keep some control over AI is to clamp down on open AI models that might be used inappropriately, require licensing for new models, and put tight restrictions on the ability of companies to export AI technology overseas.
As America continues to lead in technology development, it’s imperative that we continue to invest in AI and not allow China to surpass us in this vital area. We need to take the necessary steps to ensure that we continue to lead the way in AI development while keeping our country and our democracy safe.
Source Fox News