The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) published on Monday 21 June a study on artificial intelligence (AI). Commissioned by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age (AIDA), the paper focuses on the potential geopolitical implications of this technology.
In particular, the study confirms the importance of a risk-based approach—as advocated by the European Commission (see EUROPE 12703/3). “Trustworthy or ethical AI is a primary focus for the EU”, the paper says.
Furthermore, in addition to the use of AI for authoritarian control, which poses risks to democracies, the text also warns of a new type of nationalism that could be triggered by the development of AI.
“The competition between major countries to lead in AI is growing, and states around the world – including Europe – are trying to support their AI ecosystem. However, given the potential gains associated with AI—and the fear of potential losses for those left behind—States may have incentives to go further. This could lay the foundation for a new type of nationalism”, the paper warns.
The study, which describes this technology as “highly geopolitical”, does not only give a picture of the risks and threats, but also makes some recommendations.
The text thus calls for the creation of a European AI Safety Commission, with members from different EU Member States, the private sector, and civil society, and for the creation of a research centre to focus on AI-related issues of immediate interest to the EU.
The idea of close collaboration with Washington, at a time when the attention of the US and China is already focused on AI, is also advocated.
See the study: https://bit.ly/3gXXNCy (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)