13 Feb Seven Takeaways from JD Vance’s Remark on AI Use

The remarks of JD Vance, the VP of the US, on AI are worth noting by all who care and are concerned about AI.

Regardless of our nationalities and political affiliations, we should be on the same page regarding the future of AI. Even if we may not agree on all AI-related issues, we should at least reach a consensus on letting AI flourish while creating a globally agreed safety protocol about AI use.

Vance took his first international trip as VP to France, where he spoke at an AI Summit. I found his remarks very informative.

In this article, I’d like to share seven takeaways from his speech. While we’re here, I’d like to use this opportunity to highlight a few LEADERSHIP traits (that is where my specialty is, not AI) we may learn from the new VP.

1. Demonstrated Leadership. So far, the US is leading the AI race and has all the tools, resources, and talents to keep leading in this sector. Vance represented the US on that platform and had that awareness, which some high-ranking US officials sometimes forget when they travel. He didn’t portray the US as a follower. Of course, I’m not talking about arrogance. There are areas other nations are leading, and therefore, their respective leaders should do the same. As a leader of your life, family, team, organization, or country, be aware of your ‘place’ and occupy it! Don’t retreat or shy away from your rightful space.

2. Questioned the status quo. Many are worried about the damage AI may cause to humanity once it supersedes human intelligence. No wonder why the big event was themed as ‘AI safety.’ Vance challenged the theme and rewrote it by saying, ‘I’m not here for AI safety. I’m here to talk about AI opportunities.’ I agree with Vance. AI will never replace humanity UNLESS WE ALLOW IT. I don’t think that AI and intelligence that emerged out of mere MATTER and computer chips will ever be able to outsmart (it may out-compute us) CONSCIOUS BEINGS like us. Leveraging AI’s maximum capabilities while ensuring they don’t go rogue is within our scope and prerogative authority. 

3. Projected strength and confidence. I hate when US officials act like the US is an underdog and resort to threats against those perceived competitors. When they do that, they’re projecting weakness, as if they’re afraid of competition, whether they are aware of it or not. America is a superpower that doesn’t need to act like an underdog and pull out its last cards everywhere and all the time. Vance confidently asserted: “We are a partner of choice worldwide.” What he meant was that the US is not afraid of competition. We’ve all kinds of competitive advantages that can entice investors and inventors worldwide, and more than any other country.

4. Called a spade a spade. While in one of the capitals of the EU, Vance didn’t shy away from pointing out one of the BAD HABITS of the EU: EXCESSIVE REGULATIONS. The latter stifles creativity, innovation, and competition! This ‘bad habit’ shouldn’t be allowed to strangle AI’s advancement. Vance rightfully pointed out that excessive regulations could kill AI as it takes off. AI could help us beat deadly diseases, increase our performance, advance our civilization, and overcome centuries-old challenges humanity has been experiencing. AI can be our BEST ALLY, next to God.

5. Addressed the elephant in the room. The elephant in the room was the risk of some actors abusing AI for ideological and political reasons. AI should transcend politics.

6. Called for partnership. Vance demonstrated one of the characteristics of true leaders. He expressed the US’s interest in collaborating with global partners by saying: “We’re a leader in the AI field doesn’t mean we want to go alone.” This, again, comes from confidence and strength.

7. Demanded establishing TRUST that governs the use of AI. Unlike any other inventions humanity has achieved, AI comes with opportunities and GRAND risks. We can only tap into and leverage the opportunities and overcome the risks for the GREATER GOOD if there is TRUST. Vance was right in demanding a global framework that facilitates trust among nations.

Hopefully, the crypto and AI czar, David O. Sacks, is working on this. Since AI’s global use and safety require reaching an international consensus, at least among key players, the United Nations will be a good starting place to generate trust and begin global collaboration.

So far, no single UN Agency is mandated to spearhead this effort. However, there are some UN Agencies and work groups (such as UNESCO, ITU, UNIDO, OHCHR, UNICRI, UN Working Group on AI, and UN AI Advisory Body) that are involved in some aspects of AI use, governance, safety, and so on. This is not enough!

The UN (António Guterres) should have a dedicated Agency equivalent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in mandate and scope.