The recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been widely hailed as one of the most important technological advances in modern times. These advancements have allowed automations to take on increasingly complex tasks, leading to the potential of a new, AI-driven economy in the near future.
However, a former CIA director has recently warned that it’s not the United States’s responsibility to ensure that its allies remain on the cutting edge of AI development. Mike Hayden, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006 to 2009, recently expressed this sentiment during a conference in Jerusalem.
Hayden argued that while the United States should use its technological superiority to ensure military superiority and national security, it can’t be expected to share all of its advancements with its allies. He added that it’s the job of individual countries to “move quickly to establish their position in the AI race” and use their own technology to stay competitive.
The former CIA director went on to say that limited AI sharing can be beneficial, as long as both partners work together to use the technology for a shared purpose. For example, he suggested that the United States and its allies can collaborate to combat terrorism by using individual AI programs to detect patterns and map out connections between terrorist groups.
Hayden’s statements come in stark contrast to some lawmakers in the United States, who have long advocated for greater international collaboration in the field of AI. These lawmakers have argued that countries need to work together to combat the potential dangers associated with the new technology, such as data breaches and misuse of AI for military purposes.
Nevertheless, Mike Hayden’s sentiments have a lasting effect, as his views are echoed by many in the intelligence community. This demonstrates the importance of responsible AI development and the need for countries to be mindful of the implications of technology sharing in this age of advanced warfare and intelligence.