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Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris has called for stronger international safeguards around artificial intelligence, highlighting growing concerns over cybersecurity threats, AI- enabled weapons and the rapid advancement of increasingly capable AI systems.
Speaking at South Korea’s Asan Institute, Harris emphasised the need for countries to work together to address the risks associated with the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies. Her remarks underscored the importance of international cooperation as governments and technology companies navigate the security implications of AI.
One of the key concerns surrounding the technology is its potential to increase the scale and sophistication of cyberattacks. AI tools can help identify vulnerabilities and automate certain tasks, but they can also be misused by malicious actors to develop more sophisticated attacks, scams and other forms of digital exploitation.
Harris also highlighted concerns surrounding AI-enabled weapons, an area that has drawn growing international attention as military applications of artificial intelligence continue to evolve. The use of AI in defence systems raises questions about human oversight, accountability and the risks of allowing increasingly autonomous technologies to influence critical decisions.
Another challenge is the pace at which AI systems are advancing. As these systems become more capable, governments face growing pressure to establish safeguards that address potential risks without unnecessarily restricting beneficial innovation.
International coordination will be important in developing effective approaches to AI safety, cybersecurity and responsible deployment. Differences in national regulations and security priorities, however, could complicate efforts to establish common standards.
Harris’s remarks add to the wider global debate over how governments should manage advanced AI while protecting national security and public safety. The challenge for policymakers is to ensure that technological progress is accompanied by appropriate oversight, accountability and cooperation across borders.
As AI adoption expands across industries and government institutions, the question of how to manage its risks is becoming an increasingly important part of the global technology agenda.
Speaking at South Korea’s Asan Institute, Harris emphasised the need for countries to work together to address the risks associated with the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies. Her remarks underscored the importance of international cooperation as governments and technology companies navigate the security implications of AI.
One of the key concerns surrounding the technology is its potential to increase the scale and sophistication of cyberattacks. AI tools can help identify vulnerabilities and automate certain tasks, but they can also be misused by malicious actors to develop more sophisticated attacks, scams and other forms of digital exploitation.
Harris also highlighted concerns surrounding AI-enabled weapons, an area that has drawn growing international attention as military applications of artificial intelligence continue to evolve. The use of AI in defence systems raises questions about human oversight, accountability and the risks of allowing increasingly autonomous technologies to influence critical decisions.
Another challenge is the pace at which AI systems are advancing. As these systems become more capable, governments face growing pressure to establish safeguards that address potential risks without unnecessarily restricting beneficial innovation.
International coordination will be important in developing effective approaches to AI safety, cybersecurity and responsible deployment. Differences in national regulations and security priorities, however, could complicate efforts to establish common standards.
Harris’s remarks add to the wider global debate over how governments should manage advanced AI while protecting national security and public safety. The challenge for policymakers is to ensure that technological progress is accompanied by appropriate oversight, accountability and cooperation across borders.
As AI adoption expands across industries and government institutions, the question of how to manage its risks is becoming an increasingly important part of the global technology agenda.
