Russia: Russia warned on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) poses "serious risks" that could impact global stability and exacerbate inequalities between nations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia's deputy ambassador to the UN, emphasized that AI technologies are increasingly applied across various sectors, including political, social, economic, and defense spheres. However, he cautioned that these advancements come with significant risks, potentially affecting the overall stability of international relations.
Polyanskiy expressed concerns about AI's capacity to influence public opinion and election outcomes through the spread of news publications and fake content on social media. He also warned of AI's potential impact on critical infrastructure in different countries. Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding AI risks, he stated, "Let's be honest: No one in the world fully understands all the risks associated with AI, and this fact cannot be ignored."
On the economic front, Polyanskiy warned that AI could deepen global inequality. He pointed out that developed economies would have greater opportunities to utilize AI benefits compared to emerging markets and developing nations, thereby exacerbating digital inequality and global development imbalances. This, he noted, could lead to social tensions and new conflicts.
Polyanskiy criticized certain regulatory approaches to AI, arguing that the current systems proposed might be harmful as they categorize AI applications as either good or bad. He questioned who should be responsible for deciding what constitutes responsible use.
Expressing Russia's support for the United Nations' coordinating role in AI, Polyanskiy welcomed initiatives such as the UN Global Dialogue and the establishment of an independent international scientific panel. He emphasized Russia's readiness to engage in equitable and mutually respectful discussions on all AI aspects in specialized bodies, aiming to find solutions that benefit the entire planet.
