The Surprising Reasons China Is Skeptical of A.I. Safety Calls
In China, A.I. doomsday warnings can feel distinctly Western or like a ploy to stop Chinese A.I. companies from trying to overtake their U.S. rivals.
TL;DR
- Western computer scientists fear advanced AI could lead to catastrophic events like global drone wars or nuclear attacks.
- In China, the response to rogue AI is perceived as simple: shut down the internet and apprehend those responsible.
- Doomsday warnings about AI feel remote and Western to many in China, where the ruling Communist Party's control over technology is seen as paramount.
- China has a history of policing technologies, including the internet, and demonstrated crisis management through lockdowns and surveillance.
- The immense physical control the Chinese government wields over its citizens makes the idea of losing control over a computer-based technology like AI seem unlikely.
- Some in China may view Western AI safety calls as a tactic to hinder the progress of Chinese AI companies.