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November 20, 2024
The US Congress is considering the establishment of a comprehensive program to promote Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), comparable in scope and significance to the historic Manhattan Project. This program aims to strengthen the US in the global race for technological leadership, particularly against China.
The recommendation for this ambitious program comes from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), a congressional commission that assesses the economic and security relationship between the US and China. In its annual report, the USCC emphasizes the need to counter China's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The commission sees AGI development as a crucial factor for the future economic and military strength of the US.
The historical reference to the Manhattan Project, which led to the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, illustrates the strategic importance attached to this AI program. Similar to that time, close cooperation between government, research institutions, and the private sector is intended to drive the development of AGI. The USCC recommends that Congress provide the executive branch with extensive authority and corresponding financial resources to conclude long-term contracts with leading companies in the fields of AI, cloud computing, and data centers. This is to ensure that the US takes a leading role in the development of AGI.
In addition to funding research and development, the USCC recommends further measures to strengthen the US AI landscape while minimizing potential risks from China's technological rise. This includes prioritizing AI projects by the Department of Defense, reviewing Chinese investments in US biotechnology companies, and tightening trade restrictions on certain Chinese technologies. These recommendations reflect growing concerns about technology transfer and the potential use of AI for military purposes.
The USCC report highlights China's ambitious goals in the field of AI. China is investing heavily in research, development, and training of AI specialists and has already made significant progress. The USCC warns that China could use AI not only for economic advancement but also for military applications such as autonomous weapon systems and cognitive warfare. The proposed initiative aims to counteract these developments and secure the US's technological leadership position.
Whether the proposed AI program will actually be implemented on the planned scale remains to be seen. Implementation depends on various factors, including political decisions, budget allocations, and the willingness of the private sector to cooperate. Furthermore, the development of AGI raises complex ethical and societal questions that must be considered within the framework of the program. The debate on the regulation of AI and the potential risks of uncontrolled development will accompany the discussions in the coming months and years.
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