The United Nations Security Council is discussing how to deal with artificial intelligence (AI) today. Britain, currently president of the Security Council, insists on this. “Key geopolitical interests will come into play here, because it’s about the power and possibilities of that technology,” said TNO’s AI program director Frans van Ette.
According to Van Ette, it remains to be seen what will result from today’s talks. For example, the Security Council also includes China and Russia, complicating discussions on this subject. ‘The question is whether the UN can play a role in this.’
Van Ette considered it logical that the UN Security Council meet on this matter. For him, this topic should be discussed in more places, such as at the national level and in companies. ‘It is important that we benefit from AI and limit the risks.’
‘The EU doesn’t see the Netherlands as an example when it comes to regulation around AI, I think that’s a real shame’
According to Van Ette, all kinds of analyzes have been released about the risks that AI might pose. There are many risks to think about, for example in the field of autonomous weapons, undermining democracy or cybersecurity. “We shouldn’t wait too long to take action.”
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Van Ette sees that the Netherlands is not at the forefront of Europe when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence. Spain, for example, already has a better idea of how it wants to handle AI, and action is already being taken. Therefore, the EU looks to Spain as a bit of an example. ‘And not Holland. I regret that,’ he said.
Britain
Outside the EU, the UK has been profiling itself as an AI regulator for some time now. This country is trying to be a pioneer. Van Ette spoke with the woman who briefed former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017, specifically about AI. With Brexit in mind, the country has a desire to redefine itself, explains Van Ette. That focus on sscience and technology is for a country like the new-born England, as a nation in its own right.’
However, according to the director of the AI program at TNO, there are still three power blocs that play a major role, namely the United States, China and the European Union. ‘Then Great Britain is a smaller size.’
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