US pledges to create 'most innovative AI ecosystem in the world'

HAMILTON, Canada

The US on Wednesday vowed to remain at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development, emphasizing the potential for economic growth and national security.

"The United States is committed to creating, promoting and protecting the most innovative AI ecosystem in the world," Michael Kratsios, policy director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, said at the UN Security Council's open debate on artificial intelligence and international peace and security.

Noting that AI "is set to define the future of economic growth, national security and global competitiveness," Kratsios said: "The Trump administration believes it is our responsibility to ensure this technology's development benefits all of our fellow citizens, safeguards their liberty and way of life and protects our next generation."

Kratsios highlighted AI's dual-use nature and stated that "AI technology will have revolutionary applications for war and for peace. But the improper use of AI systems can erode deterrence, create destabilizing effects and reinforce systems of political control and social engineering."

He emphasized the role of American companies in leading AI development, stating they are "advancing the reliability and usefulness of AI systems held to the highest standards of our commercial sector."

Rejecting centralized international control, Kratsios said, "We totally reject all efforts by international bodies to assert centralized control and global governance of AI. We believe that the responsible diffusion of AI will help pave the way to a flourishing future, one of increased productivity, empowered individuals and revolutions in scientific advancement."

He warned that overregulation "incentivizes centralization, stifles innovation and increases the danger that these tools will be used for tyranny and conquest," and criticized ideological fixations on social equity, climate, catastrophism and so-called existential risk as "dangers to progress and obstacles to responsibly harnessing this technology as an extension of human ingenuity and capacities."

Kratsios = outlined the US vision for global cooperation, saying Washington is "focused on establishing American AI as a global gold standard, enabling allies and trade partners to build their own sovereign AI ecosystems with secure American technology."

He urged other nations to join in fostering an AI ecosystem "that promotes mutual prosperity and security," combining technological leadership with diplomacy and state cooperation.