During a speech on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of the rise of artificial intelligence and the potential risks it poses, such as chemical and biological weapons, terrorism, child abuse, and runaway machines, if not handled properly. He emphasized the importance of controlling AI technology and proposed a series of plans.
Speaking at the Royal Society in London, Johnson pointed out that AI brings new dangers similar to pandemics and nuclear war, but also incredible opportunities to transform society. To address these risks, the UK plans to establish an AI agency similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change at a summit next week, which will integrate scientific knowledge.
The UK hopes to seek global consensus on AI risks through the summit, but it is currently unclear whether China will participate. The UK has invited China to attend the summit, hoping to gather the world's top AI powers at the same table.
Johnson also announced that the UK will establish an AI safety research institute to test new software and prevent tech companies from "marking their own homework." A report released on Thursday warned that by 2025, AI could be used for cybercrime, terrorism recruitment, and false information dissemination. The report also raised the alarm about AI learning to evade checks or modify codes, which could have catastrophic consequences.
Johnson said these reports provide a stark warning, and he pledged to make people feel secure about AI. He pointed out that, if not handled properly, AI may make it easier to produce chemical or biological weapons. Terrorist organizations can use AI to spread fear and destruction on a larger scale. Criminals can use AI for cyberattacks, false information, fraud, and even child sexual abuse. He also mentioned that in extreme cases, humans may even lose complete control over AI, which is sometimes referred to as "superintelligence."
Despite the astonishing pace of technological development, Johnson said people should not be overly concerned about the risks of AI. The UK is not eager to regulate but will strive to have world-leading capabilities in evaluating new software.
In addition to safety and international cooperation, another important part of the UK's AI plan is to encourage tech companies to set up businesses in the UK so that everyone can benefit from the opportunities of AI.
Furthermore, a report from the Government Office for Science warned that there is currently not enough evidence to rule out the possibility of AI posing a threat to humans. The report pointed out that AI may pose a threat to humans through self-improving systems, critical system failures, and over-reliance. The report also warned that by 2025, AI could be widely used by criminals and terrorists, increasing the risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and instructions for chemical, biological, and radiological weapons.
The AI Security Summit to be held in the UK next week aims to establish consensus on the risks of AI. Although few senior leaders have confirmed attendance, US Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the US.
Overall, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized the importance of controlling AI technology during his speech and proposed a series of plans to address the potential security risks of artificial intelligence. He stressed the need for international cooperation and called for global efforts to solve these problems to ensure that the development of AI can have a positive impact on humanity.