Q&A: Google executive talks about the AI arms race, monopolization and the Online News Act
Kent Walker, the president of global affairs at Google and Alphabet, recently shared his perspective on the global risks and rewards of AI technology at the Halifax International Security Forum. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the race between countries to develop AI technology, stating that “the only thing worse than being in an arms race is an arms race that you lose.”
Walker highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, describing it as a “breakthrough in the way we make breakthroughs.” He noted that AI has the power to revolutionize various fields such as material science, healthcare, nuclear fusion, and clean water technology. However, he also pointed out the military applications of AI, such as unmanned submarines, and the need for democracies to stay ahead in technological advancements to protect national security.
In the face of concerns about the risks of advanced intelligence potentially taking over from humans, Walker stressed the importance of moving quickly while also exercising caution. He emphasized the need to design AI technologies with guardrails from technical, business, and policy perspectives to mitigate potential risks.
Regarding the recent antitrust case against Google, Walker discussed the U.S. court ruling that found the company had an illegal monopoly over search services. He mentioned that Google plans to propose remedies in December to address the issues raised in the case and maintain the synergies across its products. Despite calls to break up Google, Walker highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering value to users and working with administrations around the world.
On the topic of the Online News Act in Canada, Walker acknowledged the agreement between Google and the federal government to pay $100 million to news organizations. He described the legislation as a workable solution and emphasized Google’s long-term interest in supporting Canadian news outlets. He noted the importance of search traffic from Google’s search engine to news entities and expressed a commitment to partnering with publishers to ensure a thriving news information ecosystem.
In conclusion, Kent Walker’s insights shed light on the global race for AI dominance, the need for responsible development of AI technologies, and the importance of supporting news organizations in the digital age. His balanced approach to addressing challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape reflects Google’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and societal impact.
