DeepSeek, weapons and climate? What’s on the table at the Paris AI summit?
Feb 6, 2025
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Dan Milmo, the global technology editor at The Guardian, discusses the major themes heading into the Paris AI summit. He covers the ramifications of DeepSeek's disruptive launch and its role in spurring an AI arms race. Concerns about AI's energy consumption and geopolitical tensions are also highlighted. Additionally, insights from young attendees at the Alan Turing Institute’s Children's AI summit reveal their hopes and fears about AI ethics and regulation, stressing the importance of involving youth in shaping future policies.
The emergence of DeepSeek has intensified fears of a competitive AI arms race, necessitating global cooperation for responsible technology use.
Young people's engagement at the AI Children's Summit emphasized the importance of ethical oversight and regulations to address biases in AI development.
Deep dives
Exploring the Net Zero Initiative
The Net Zero Centre at King's College London plays a crucial role in researching solutions for decarbonizing society. By leveraging academic strengths and forming partnerships with both government and industry, the center aims to address environmental sustainability comprehensively. This initiative not only seeks to promote discovery but also fosters the next generation of leaders equipped to tackle climate issues. Raising questions about the feasibility of achieving Net Zero in our lifetime sets a foundation for discussions around meaningful change in society.
Young Voices at the AI Summit
At a recent AI Children's Summit, young participants voiced their concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence on their future. They emphasized the need for stricter regulations and ethical oversight in AI development, highlighting issues like racial and gender biases in AI outputs. The summit aimed to compile a children's charter to present at the upcoming AI Summit in Paris, illustrating the engagement of youth in these critical discussions. This involvement marks a significant step towards including their perspectives in shaping the future of AI technology.
Geopolitical Tensions and AI Development
The emergence of the Chinese AI company DeepSeek has raised questions about the competitive landscape of AI and the potential for an arms race in technology development. DeepSeek's ability to produce advanced AI models with significantly lower investment compared to American firms has unsettled the tech sector, suggesting that the United States may not be as far ahead as previously thought. As discussions unfold at the Paris AI Summit, global cooperation will be essential to address the rapid advancements in AI technology while ensuring safety and responsible use. The conference also aims to discuss sustainability concerns tied to AI, highlighting the complex relationship between technological progress and environmental impact.
From the shockwaves caused by DeepSeek’s launch, to fears of a new AI arms race, and the continued questions over the technology’s energy use, AI continues to throw up new challenges. As world leaders gather for the Paris AI summit, the Guardian’s global technology editor, Dan Milmo, joins Madeleine Finlay to discuss what will be top of the agenda. And young people attending the Alan Turing Institute’s Children’s AI summit explain what their hopes and fears for the technology are. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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