AI NEWS - 09-05-2024

UK Signs First International Treaty Addressing Risks of Artificial Intelligence

The United Kingdom has taken a significant step by signing the first legally binding international treaty aimed at mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). This landmark treaty was signed by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood and is part of a broader framework established by the Council of Europe. Its primary focus is to ensure the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from the potential threats posed by AI technologies. Key provisions include enhanced monitoring of AI development, safeguarding public data, and preventing the possible misuse of AI systems that could jeopardize public services.

This treaty signifies a global initiative to regulate AI in accordance with shared ethical values. It is designed to bolster existing UK legislation, including the Online Safety Act, aimed at addressing issues such as biased data and inequitable outcomes. The UK has demonstrated leadership in the domain of AI safety, hosting significant events like the AI Safety Summit and the AI Seoul Summit, and establishing the world’s first state-backed AI Safety Institute. The treaty also encourages other countries, including the United States and Australia, to join as signatories. Read more.

Exploring the Future of AI in Respiratory Medicine at ERS Congress 2024

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2024, taking place from September 7-11 in Vienna, Austria, will explore the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with respiratory medicine. With the theme “Humans and Machines: Getting the Balance Right,” the congress promises to investigate how AI can enhance patient care, spur research, and reshape the future of respiratory health. Keynote speaker Bertalan Mesko, known as “The Medical Futurist,” will discuss AI’s significant role in advancing personalized medicine.

AI Dominates Hot Chips 2024 Conference

The recent Hot Chips conference showcased the preeminence of generative AI in contemporary technological innovations. OpenAI’s Trevor Cai emphasized the importance of AI computation during his keynote address, illustrating the current summit of the generative AI hype cycle. However, the event faced criticism due to a lack of substantial technical disclosures from merchant chip vendors, despite featuring an impressive lineup of presentations.

Discussions revolved around AI infrastructure advancements, with Intel unveiling its Gaudi 3 AI accelerator and presenting its specifications. Moreover, Broadcom highlighted its co-packaged optics (CPO) technology catering to AI-compute ASICs. This concentrated focus on AI infrastructure underscores extensive investments by data center operators responding to the surging demand for sophisticated AI hardware. Read more.

The AI Conference in San Francisco to Bridge Theory and Practice

The upcoming 2024 AI Conference, set for September 10-11 in San Francisco, seeks to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical applications in AI. This multi-track event will feature over 75 expert speakers from prominent sectors including technology, academia, and investment, with representatives from companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft. The agenda will address innovations, emerging trends, and practices in AI through various formats such as keynotes, exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, and fireside chats.

Guided by principles of transparency, diversity, and the promotion of open-source approaches, this conference aspires to provide a platform for meaningful exchanges of ideas that can drive innovation and challenge the status quo in AI. Participants, ranging from researchers to venture capitalists, will have the opportunity to explore strategies for translating AI advancements into real-world solutions while addressing biases in AI models and advocating for accessible AI technologies. Read more.

UK Adjusts AI Strategy Amid Budget Constraints

In response to budgetary limitations, the UK government is recalibrating its AI strategy. While the specifics of these adjustments remain undisclosed, the commitment to ensuring safe and reliable AI use persists. The government has introduced the AI Opportunities Action Plan, spearheaded by Matt Clifford, aiming to harness the benefits of AI across various economic sectors despite financial challenges.

The UK’s AI Safety Institute, inaugurated in November 2023, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration in AI safety research. A recent agreement focusing on AI safety has been established with the United States, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in this field. Additionally, targeted legislation on powerful AI models is in the pipeline, with more announcements anticipated soon. Read more.