A summit held in Seoul, South Korea in partnership with Britain concluded discussions on various concerns related to the rapidly evolving technology of artificial intelligence (AI). The focus of the summit was on topics such as job security, copyright issues, and inequality. 16 tech companies signed a voluntary agreement the previous day to develop AI safely.
Another pledge signed by 14 companies, including tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, highlighted the use of methods like watermarking to identify AI-generated content and to ensure job creation and support for socially vulnerable groups. South Korea’s Minister of Science and ICT, Lee Jong-Ho, underscored the necessity of cooperation in the field of AI, stating that it is not an option but a requirement for progress.
The summit helped shape ongoing discussions on AI safety, innovation, and inclusivity. Plans for future collaboration on AI safety institutes were also discussed. The global AI summit originated in Britain and is set to continue with the next in-person gathering expected to take place in France around 2025. Participants from various countries also discussed the cooperation between government-backed AI safety institutes to regulate the technology effectively.
While AI experts welcomed the progress made in regulating AI technologies, some suggested that rules need to be enforced to ensure safety for all. Suggestions were made for AI services to undergo mandatory safety testing before being released to the market so that companies prioritize safety over profit. Flexibility in laws and regulations was also highlighted by the South Korean science minister as essential for ensuring the safe use of AI technologies by the public.
