Today’s multipolar world complicates even the issues of slight importance, let alone the detailed and layered subjects of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence (AI). Emerging technologies bring advancements to human civilization as a whole but security concerns also have their place. New advanced models of AI are attracting attention and the concerns demand for regulations in place. Though countries around the world are making efforts towards it, the geopolitical intricacies may act as a blockade.
A couple of conferences took place in the past several weeks where prominent world leaders and diplomats from countries discussed artificial intelligence. These conferences include the G7 countries’ initiative of the Hiroshima process and the AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom. International AI governance would need corporations from across the countries but Western countries and China hold different preferences.
During these conferences, the rife between the United States, European countries, and China was seen clearly. Most countries participating in the AI safety conference at Bletchley Park were not comfortable with China’s presence.
Not only are geopolitical tensions among countries a major reason for the absence of harmony, but these nations hold different perceptions towards AI and its treatment.
The United States’ AI policy, as seen during the Summit, was more focused on dealing with national threats from “frontier AI” and most Western nations agreed. China took a different stance where it changed focus from looking over the details of content or input data’s validity to checking the output. It seeks the resulting data ought to be politically correct and ensures privacy and security.
Why is China Unavoidable in Global AI Regulation Forums?
China, being the technology and economic superpower in the world today, holds a grip on emerging AI tech. Leading tech companies in the country such as Alibaba, Huawei, Baidu, Bytedance, and several others are keenly working towards AI development. Analysts believe this is the reason why Asian countries have a lead in AI regulation across the world.
Moreover, China has specific departments that watch over different phases and sectors of AI development in the region. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) departments look up for technology development, content data privacy and security, and difference aspects of tech industry.
Perhaps that’s why even the most influential countries like the United States refrain from direct condemnation of China and the United Kingdom invites the delegation to the Summit. However, there were efforts to maintain the balance, where the Chinese delegation was included in the ministerial meetings but not during the discussions.
All countries need to put efforts into preparing a framework for global AI regulations and room for mistakes or one’s uninvolvement can result in powerful tools like artificial intelligence going out of control.
Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2023/11/13/geopolitical-complications-could-impede-global-ai-regulation/