The further development of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates additional regulations. Ministers of the G7, a group of seven rich countries including, for example, Germany and the United States, agreed on this at a summit in Japan.
A joint statement states that the rules must be designed to maintain an “open and stimulating environment” for this emerging technology. In doing so, the countries want to stimulate mutual discussion on “how to protect intellectual property rights, including copyright, promote transparency and tackle disinformation”.
Artificial intelligence develops computer systems that come close to human intelligence. For example, chatbots such as ChatGPT can write texts that appear to have been written by a human. Although the ministers’ meeting acknowledged that countries have the freedom to each come up with their own approach in this area, the G7 statement appears to be an important breakthrough in the international discussion on AI.
The strong advance of AI has recently been the subject of much criticism. More than 27,000 people worldwide have signed an open letter calling for a pause in its development. There are fears, among other things, that many people could lose their jobs if more and more powerful AI systems become available. In addition, according to the letter, there is a risk that these programs will flood the internet with propaganda and untruths.
