State Department Calls for Global Conversation on Societal Impact of AI

Seth Center, deputy envoy for critical and emerging technology at the Department of State, said that the international community needs to sit down and have a conversation about the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence.

Speaking at a Foreign Policy event on Thursday, Center said that the State Department is taking a methodical approach to addressing AI’s impact on society on a global scale, incorporating its unique impact on every nation.

Center added that China needs to be part of the engagement, not only because of the Chinese-backed companies developing powerful AI systems but also because of shared interests in taking advantage of what AI offers and a shared sense of wanting to manage the risks, Nextgov/FCW reported.

The State Department has been engaged in various efforts to ensure responsible development and use of AI. It tapped the expertise of think tank Atlantic Council in 2023 to help with its “Promoting American Leadership, Democratic Values, and Economic Prosperity in Artificial Intelligence” initiative, assisting in promoting a more inclusive landscape for the technology.