Fu Ying, former Chinese ambassador to the UK, humorously critiqued a global AI safety report at an AI summit in Paris, spotlighting the contrasting approaches of China and the US towards AI development and safety. The summit emphasizes the necessity for international collaboration amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
At a recent AI summit in Paris, Fu Ying, the former Chinese ambassador to the UK, humorously criticized a comprehensive AI safety report co-authored by renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio. During the panel discussion, she acknowledged the extensive length of the document, noting the Chinese translation reached approximately 400 pages, which she had yet to complete.
Fu Ying’s commentary included a playful jab at the AI Safety Institute’s title, contrasting it with China’s own initiative, the AI Development and Safety Network, which emphasizes collaboration amidst many existing institutes. The summit, showcasing participation from 80 countries, focuses on the implications of AI technology and the need for regulatory frameworks in an increasingly divided geopolitical landscape.
She expressed concern about the deterioration of US-China relations and its adverse effects on collaborative efforts concerning AI safety. “At a time when the science is going in an upward trajectory, the relationship is falling in the wrong direction and it is affecting unity and collaboration to manage risks,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of cooperation.
Fu Ying highlighted the rapid advancement of AI in China following the national development plan established in 2017, five years before ChatGPT’s rise to popularity. Although acknowledging the swift pace of innovation, she also cautioned about the associated risks, stating, “The Chinese move faster [than the west] but it’s full of problems.”
She advocated for open-source AI tools, arguing that transparency helps identify and address potential issues more effectively. Conversely, Professor Bengio argued that open-source frameworks might expose technologies to misuse. Nevertheless, he conceded that the architecture of China’s DeepSeek AI assistant made it easier to identify safety issues compared to proprietary systems like ChatGPT.
The summit will feature high-level discussions, including contributions from leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on how AI affects labor markets and public interests. Notably, a new partnership was announced, dedicating $400 million towards AI initiatives serving public welfare, particularly in healthcare.
UK technology secretary Peter Kyle warned against the risks of falling behind in AI adoption, noting that advancements could integrate systemic efficiencies into the National Health Service (NHS). Such sentiments were echoed by Dr. Laura Gilbert, who emphasized that leveraging AI is crucial for the NHS’s sustainability.
The summit convenes world leaders, tech executives, and scholars to explore the ramifications of artificial intelligence on societal structures, governance, and the environment. Amid rising tensions between the US and China regarding AI development, discussions are centered around establishing regulatory measures and fostering international cooperation. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure that emerging technologies are harnessed responsibly and for the collective benefit of society, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.
The discourse at the AI summit reflects the urgent need for global collaboration to address the safety and regulatory challenges posed by rapid AI advancements. Fu Ying’s insights highlight the complexities of international relations that may hinder technological progress, while the emphasis on transparency and cooperation signifies a collective path forward. The participation of numerous stakeholders sets the stage for meaningful dialogues on leveraging AI in a manner that prioritizes public welfare and societal benefits.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
