WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the growing discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential risks in a recent speech. Focusing on the dual aspects of opportunity and threat presented by AI, the Vice President emphasized the need for a balanced and thoughtful approach to the technology’s development and implementation.
“There are people who believe also that we should evaluate risk. There’s a lot of discussion on AI that is about existential risks, and those are real, but one should also ask existential to whom?” she asked. “So we have an image of the Terminator and Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Machine and right Machine versus man, and many would argue that that is something that we should take seriously as a possibility it is not a current threat.”
In her speech, Vice President Harris highlighted the often-discussed existential risks associated with AI. She acknowledged these concerns as legitimate but urged for a broader perspective that also considers “existential risks” in terms of their impact on different communities and sectors. This approach suggests a move beyond the typical narratives that tend to dominate AI discussions, such as the often-cited imagery of the Terminator and the perceived battle between machines and humans.
The Vice President’s comments point to a nuanced understanding of AI, recognizing its potential to significantly alter various aspects of society and economy. She emphasized the importance of considering how AI might affect different groups in different ways, highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable strategies in managing AI’s growth and integration into society.