U.S. sees Korea as key partner in boosting AI regulation governance

[Image source: Gettyimagesbank]

The United States has designated South Korea as a key partner in strengthening cooperation for artificial intelligence (AI) regulation governance, according to U.S. officials.

Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology on the National Security Council (NSC), met with media representatives from 12 countries, including Maeil Business Newspaper, in Washington D.C., earlier this month, where she referred to the United States as the chair of the global AI partnership.

Neuberger noted that there is a need to collaborate with global partners to manage the risks associated with AI, particularly when it is combined with military technologies.

Her remarks come amid active discussions about the establishment of international standards for the military use of AI as AI technology becomes a game-changer in both industry and military affairs, extending its influence into the military sector.

There is a consensus that regulations are needed to ensure the responsible use of AI in the military to prevent potential disasters.

The discussions have sparked intense competition between major powers such as the United States and China to take the lead in AI regulation governance, with the United States designating Korea as a core partner in strengthening partnership for AI regulation governance.

Seth Center, deputy envoy for critical and emerging technology, emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the safe and responsible use of AI, including in the military context.

He mentioned that the United States is working to develop political declarations with international partners regarding the military use of AI.

In February, a high-level conference called Responsible AI in the Military Domain, or REAIM 2023, took place in The Hague, Netherlands, focusing on the responsible use of AI in the military. The conference drew much attention as it was the first international conference on AI’s responsible military use.

Korea is set to host the second conference in early 2024, raising expectations that the country will be able to play a significant role in shaping international AI regulations.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth Allen highlighted close relations between the United States and Korea in non-military aspects of AI use and plans for high-level discussions to address foreign malign influence in the context of AI’s impact on information space.

Meanwhile, the country’s relations with China is a competitive struggle in terms of international AI regulations.

In February, the U.S. State Department published a political declaration outlining the framework for responsible military use of AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human control and intervention in decisions related to sovereign matters, including nuclear weapons.

The department expects this declaration to serve as a foundation for responsible AI use in military conflicts.

China, on the other hand, advocates a multilateral approach to AI regulation, seen as a stance to counter U.S.-led AI regulatory efforts.

The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on AI-related issues in July 2023, discussing international cooperation on military and non-military applications of AI.

Some have proposed the establishment of international organizations, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, drawing inspiration from IAEA’s role in peaceful nuclear technology use.

However, Russia has expressed fundamental doubts about whether the security council should discuss AI as an organization responsible for international peace and security.