Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, from facial recognition software to self-driving cars. While the potential benefits are vast, concerns linger about the potential pitfalls. To address these anxieties and chart a responsible path forward, South Korea is stepping up to host the second global AI Safety Summit on May 21st-22nd, following the inaugural event held at Bletchley Park, UK, last year.

Why Does This Matter?

The upcoming summit in South Korea is a crucial step in operationalizing the Bletchley Declaration. Imagine it as a brainstorming session for the entire planet! This virtual event, co-hosted by South Korea and the UK, will be a melting pot of ideas and solutions. Government representatives, leading AI companies, academics, and civil society organizations will all have a seat at the table.

Their primary focus? Delving deeper into the potential capabilities of cutting-edge AI models and identifying potential risks associated with their development and use.

Worries about AI safety will be at the forefront of the South Korea summit. One concern is super-intelligent AI, machines that might become smarter than us, while another is bias in AI algorithms, which can lead to unfair outcomes based on skewed data.

A Global Conversation: France Takes the Torch

The South Korea summit isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Following this virtual event, France will hold the next in-person AI Safety Summit in November 2024. This geographically diverse approach highlights the international commitment to safe AI development.

A team of 32 international experts has prepped the groundwork for the South Korea summit by compiling a critical report on AI safety challenges and solutions, titled “International Scientific Report on Advanced AI Safety.” This report will be unveiled before the summit itself. The South Korea summit marks the first step in a continuous journey to ensure AI development benefits humanity for generations to come. The decisions made and solutions developed here, with the help of this expert panel, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI.