WASHINGTON: U.S. government officials expressed concerns about the “misuse of AI” by China and other countries in a closed-door meeting with Chinese officials in Geneva, the White House said on Wednesday.
China and the United States “exchanged views on their respective approaches to AI safety and risk management” during “frank and constructive” talks the previous day, National Security Council spokesperson Adrian Watson said in a statement.
The first-of-its-kind U.S.-China talks on AI were the product of a meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November. The talks highlighted concerns and expectations about a promising but potentially dangerous new technology.
“The United States emphasized the importance of ensuring, and continuing to build global consensus on, that AI systems are safe, secure, and reliable to realize these benefits of AI. '' Watson said. Additionally, “the United States also expressed concern about the misuse of AI, including by China.”
She did not elaborate on the type of abuse or other parties behind it.
China has built one of the world's most intrusive digital surveillance systems with AI components, deploying cameras on its streets and tracking its citizens through chat apps and cell phones.
Watson said the U.S. wants to keep communication open with China on AI risks and safety “as an important part of responsibly managing competition,” and this is the first step between the world's two largest economies. He said it hints at multifaceted and increasing competition.
AI is already having a profound impact on lifestyle, work, national defense, culture, politics, and more, and its role will continue to expand.
The talks in Geneva were not mentioned at a regular press conference at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing early Wednesday.
China warned of the need for AI regulation in 2018, but has nonetheless funded significant expansion in the field as part of its efforts to gain an edge in cutting-edge technology.
Some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern that China may support the use of AI-generated deepfakes to spread political disinformation, but unlike the U.S., China It has imposed a series of new laws prohibiting AI from fabricating fabrications.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)
