During the 19th century, showcasing military power through gunboat displays was a common tactic used by larger nations to intimidate smaller countries into compliance. The mere presence of gunboats off the coast was often enough to make the smaller nation yield without a single shot being fired.
This strategy was famously known as gunboat diplomacy.
Fast forward to today, where technology, particularly generative AI, has taken the reins of global influence. Microsoft has now joined forces with the US government to leverage its genAI capabilities in what is being referred to as a “tech Cold War” against China.
While this collaboration is in its early stages, it has already yielded results by persuading a prominent genAI company in the United Arab Emirates to sever ties with China and side with the US. On the surface, this seems like a positive outcome, promoting US-Arab relations and benefiting American businesses.
However, there are inherent risks when the world’s most powerful nation collaborates closely and covertly with the leading AI company. The primary concern is whether this partnership with Microsoft signifies a reluctance to regulate genAI, a technology that experts have cautioned could pose a grave threat to humanity if left unchecked.
Exploring the intricate maneuvers employed by the federal government and Microsoft to counter China and expel them from G42, the premier AI firm in the Middle East, sheds light on the implications for future regulations governing genAI tools and platforms.
2024-04-25 17:51:02
Original from www.computerworld.com