Advancement of U.S. Dominance in Artificial Intelligence is Encouraging News
The United States has joined the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), a coalition of seven leading democratic nations, aiming to shape the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). This move is an encouraging step towards achieving the U.S.'s vision of promoting AI that integrates shared democratic values, such as diversity, inclusion, and civil liberties.
The GPAI, launched by the G7 in 2020, comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The focus of the group is on the responsible development of AI, including research agendas, workforce development, and innovation.
The U.S. government announced its participation in the partnership on May 27, marking a significant shift in its approach to AI policy. Initially, the U.S. held out on joining due to concerns about aggressive regulation without clear evidence of harms. However, the U.S. presence on the global stage in AI policy now provides an alternative to the two dominant views: China and the EU.
The EU has embraced the precautionary principle and wants to strictly regulate the use of AI due to fears of harmful purposes. On the other hand, China has made bold commitments in its national AI strategy to leverage the technology across its entire economy. Many are concerned that China's authoritarian government may abuse AI to infringe on human rights.
The U.S., on the other hand, wants to protect democratic values and proceed without an overly burdensome regulatory regime. By joining GPAI, the U.S. aims to engage geopolitical partners to establish global norms on ethical uses of AI and influence its trading partners to avoid adopting harmful policies.
The EU's data laws that restrict algorithmic decision making inhibit firms from selling AI products and services. By contrast, the U.S. could advance a light-touch regulatory framework that fosters algorithmic accountability. This could help address concerns about AI's potential harm while promoting innovation and economic growth.
GPAI provides a counterweight to China's growing economic and political power. By working together, the democratic nations in the partnership can ensure that American values prevail on the global scale and set a positive example for the responsible development and use of AI.
In the early days of establishing international cooperation, GPAI's efforts are focused on the responsible development of AI. As the partnership grows and matures, it may take on additional roles and responsibilities, such as advocating for AI standards and guidelines, promoting AI literacy, and working to address the ethical challenges posed by AI.
In conclusion, the U.S.'s involvement in GPAI is an important step towards shaping the future of AI in a way that aligns with democratic values and promotes innovation and economic growth. By working together with like-minded partners, the U.S. can help set a positive example for responsible AI development and use and counter the influence of authoritarian regimes like China.
