In a farewell address to the nation ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, US President Joe Biden set out the benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence is the most significant technology of our time. Arguably, nothing offers deeper opportunities and risks for our economy, security and society,” — he began his remarks on AI.
He added that neural networks could put an end to cancer, but that without proper safeguards the technology “threatens our way of life, privacy, jobs and the security of the nation”.
“In the age of AI, it is extremely important that people control it. And as the land of freedom, America — not China — should lead the development of artificial intelligence,” — Biden added.
He also cited technology companies among the threats. According to him, social networks are abandoning fact-checking, the free press is being destroyed and editors are disappearing.
The president’s speech took stock of his record in office and set out key steps for the incoming administration.
In January, the Biden administration imposed new restrictions on the import of US-designed computer chips in an effort to prevent other countries from accessing advanced technologies.
Later, the president issued an order to provide federal support to meet the significant energy needs required to run the data centres that power artificial intelligence.