Leaders from 10 countries and the European Union gathered virtually for the AI Seoul Summit to address the pressing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. The British government, co-host of the event, announced that the leaders will work towards a common understanding of AI safety and align their research efforts.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of addressing the risks associated with AI, including disinformation, mass surveillance, and the development of lethal autonomous weapons. He stressed the need for universal guardrails and regular dialogue on AI to prevent a dystopian future where AI is controlled by a select few.
Sixteen AI companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Samsung, pledged to prioritize safety in the development of their advanced AI models. These companies committed to accountable governance and public transparency to ensure the safety of their products.
The summit comes at a time when governments worldwide are racing to establish regulations for AI as the technology continues to advance rapidly. Concerns about job displacement, misinformation, and the potential misuse of AI for creating bioweapons have spurred global efforts to govern the technology responsibly.
The AI industry has increasingly focused on addressing critical issues such as misinformation, data security, and bias. The safety commitments made by the participating companies aim to mitigate risks and prioritize the well-being of society as AI continues to shape various aspects of daily life.