Putin says AI cuts both ways as Russia maps out broad adoption plan

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), while warning about the risks that it carries as well.

No one knows what to do with it, the master of the Kremlin said in comments coming after his government indicated Russia will be introducing AI everywhere.

Putin worried about ‘losing everything’ due to AI

President Putin has spoken about the potential benefits, but also the perils of artificial intelligence as a modern invention his country is willing to take advantage of.

“This is an important and very difficult issue,” the head of state noted during a meeting of Russia’s human rights council.

The Russian leader was commenting on a remark by the chief executive of the tech and research company Kribrum, Igor Ashmanov, who highlighted the lack of AI regulation.

“It is becoming evident even for those who are far from these problems that something should be done, but no one knows exactly what to do,” he elaborated, while also referring to the use of big data in general and other related topics.

Quoted by the TASS news agency on Tuesday, Putin put his figure on the center issue:

“Because not using these instruments would mean losing everything we care about. But at the same time, if we use it thoughtlessly, it will also end up in the loss of everything we value.”

Russia prepares to introduce AI across sectors

Putin’s input on the matter comes as the Russian government is drafting a plan for the deployment of artificial intelligence tools across the country.

The executive power in Moscow now wants to see AI applications widely implemented, from the public administration to different sectors of the economy as well as in all regions of the vast nation.

Announcing the initiative, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin recalled an earlier statement by the president who insisted that Russia must develop a full suite of its own AI solutions and products as something essential for its sovereignty.

Also quoted by TASS, the head of the Russian cabinet of ministers unveiled:

“A plan is being formed for the introduction of generative artificial intelligence, not only at the state level, but also across industries and regions.”

Working with the presidential administration, the government has proposed the establishment of an AI headquarters that will set specific objectives and control their fulfillment.

The structure will coordinate the efforts of relevant ministries and agencies and evaluate the results of various projects in the field. The proposal now awaits Putin’s approval.

Last month, the Russian president urged his nation to rally behind domestic AI development which, in his view, will ensure its technological independence.

During his participation in the AI Journey international conference in Moscow, he also announced Russia is setting up a national task force dedicated to that goal.

The event showcased Russia’s first accomplished AI-powered humanoid robot, designed and built by a team of engineers organized by Russia’s biggest bank, Sber.

The Russian Federation has been also looking to join forces with allies in this area. Last week, it signed an agreement for blockchain and AI cooperation with Iran. And during a visit to New Delhi, Putin offered India a “broad partnership in the field of artificial intelligence.”

According to a recent estimate made public by a top executive of the country’s second-largest bank, VTB, Russia will have to invest some $77 billion in new power generation capacities to satisfy the growing energy needs of AI computing and crypto mining at data centers in the coming years.

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