The Bletchley Park declaration marks the beginning of an international collaboration
In a joint effort aimed at ensuring safety and accountability in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), the 28 countries of the European Union gathered at Bletchley Park, north of London. This historic declaration highlights the urgency to collectively understand and manage the potential risks associated with AI. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed this initiative, stating that it marks the beginning of a new global effort to restore public confidence in this technology.
Two international AI summits planned in South Korea and France
According to British Minister of Technology, Michelle Donelan, interviewed by AFP, in light of the possibilities offered by advanced models such as ChatGPT, the Bletchley declaration shows that the world is coming together to identify issues and highlight the opportunities that AI presents. Two international summits dedicated to this technology will take place in South Korea and France, she added from the famous World War II codebreaking center where Alan Turing unraveled the secret of the Enigma machine used by the Nazis.
A British initiative to lead global cooperation on AI
For two days, political leaders, AI experts, and tech giants gathered at the initiative of the UK, which wants to take the lead in international cooperation on this technology. Participants discussed various ways to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI as well as the importance of collaboration among countries to address these critical issues.
Musk calls for an independent AI arbiter
During this event, American billionaire Elon Musk, co-founder of pioneering company OpenAI in 2015, advocated on Wednesday for the creation of an independent arbiter capable of sounding the alarm on concerns regarding developments in the field of artificial intelligence, which he considers one of the greatest threats to humanity. He emphasized the importance of establishing a transparent and impartial evaluation mechanism to monitor AI advancements and ensure that it is used ethically and beneficially for all.
Kamala Harris’s warning about existential risks of AI
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke at the meeting, warning of the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence, which could jeopardize the very existence of humanity in both the short and long term. She stressed the need for a preventive approach to avoid potentially disastrous consequences associated with the uncontrolled development of this technology.
An international commitment for human rights-respecting AI
At this historic event at Bletchley Park, a consensus emerged on the need for an international commitment to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed in accordance with human rights and ethical principles. Participants highlighted the importance of establishing a clear and consistent regulatory framework that allows for responsible innovation while protecting citizens and their privacy.
The role of businesses and civil society in AI development
Discussions also illuminated the crucial role of businesses and civil society in promoting a responsible development of artificial intelligence. It is essential for these actors to collaborate with governments and international organizations to create an environment conducive to innovation while ensuring that potential risks are identified and managed adequately.
In summary, the Bletchley Park declaration marks a significant milestone in the international recognition of the importance of a coordinated and responsible approach to artificial intelligence. This common commitment from the countries of the European Union is a promising step forward towards achieving a safe and ethical digital future.
