In recent months, several companies have launched their own AI-powered products following the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, the advancements in AI technology have brought both positive and negative outcomes. To address the challenges and promote responsible development, seven leading AI companies gathered at the White House to pledge their commitment to safe, secure, and transparent AI technology.
However, The White House commended several companies for their commitment to AI safety, including Amazon, Anthropic, Meta, and Inflection. The Biden Administration emphasised companies’ responsibilities to safeguard the safety of their products and exploit the potential of AI while advocating high standards in its development.
Google’s VP of global affairs, Kent Walker, agreed that success in AI needed teamwork. He expressed his pleasure at joining other major AI businesses in supporting these pledges, and he emphasised that Google would continue to collaborate with other companies by sharing information and best practises.
However, Anna Makanju, vice-president of global affairs at OpenAI, said the commitments “contribute specific and concrete practices” to the “ongoing discussion” around regulating AI. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman testified before Congress in May and called for lawmakers to boost regulation of AI, warning: “I think if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong.”. In addition to committing to more security testing, the companies also pledged to share more information across the industry and government about how they are mitigating risks. They also said they would invest more money on cyber security safeguards, and promised to make it easier for third parties to discover and report vulnerabilities in their systems, the White House said.
The White House emphasized the responsibility of companies developing emerging technologies to ensure the safety of their products. Some AI researchers and executives, including Elon Musk, have called for a pause in the development of powerful machine-learning systems. However, Meta’s Sir Nick Clegg argued that most of the current generation of algorithms are too “stupid” to be dangerous.
The White House is actively seeking consultations with allies, including Britain, to enhance AI security. In addition, an AI summit will be held in the UK later this year to address the challenges and ensure the safety of this new technology.
The commitment made by major US tech giants, under the guidance of President Biden’s initiative, marks an important step towards transparency and safety in the field of AI. By prioritizing rigorous testing, preventing AI-powered fraud, and addressing concerns such as deepfake misuse, the aim is to build a safer and more trustworthy AI ecosystem.