The success of the first global summit on artificial intelligence, set to be hosted by Britain this autumn, rests largely on whether China will attend, a leading AI expert has told The National.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is attempting to spearhead an international coalition on AI safety amid warning from industry bosses that technology being developed could lead to many humans being killed if proper safeguards are not introduced.
His desire to place Britain at the forefront of the movement has been received well, but those with a stake in the gathering are holding their breath to see whether Beijing will be sent an invite.
The UK government has yet to announce a guest list or date for the meeting.
‘Don’t ignore China’
Professor Max Tegmark, a physicist and AI researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said if a Chinese delegation are at the table the event has the potential to be a “turning point” for AI safety standards.
But he warned a snub from London could be perceived by Beijing as a murky plot by the West to use AI against its interests.
“If they do it without China it may make things worse in that it could make China feel that Britain and the West are trying to weaponise AI against it,” Prof Tegmark told The National.
“It’s great that the UK has taken this initiative because change really needs to happen at global level.”
Announcing the summit during a visit to the US in June, Mr Sunak said the time has come to instigate a “global effort” to make sure AI is “developed and used in a way that is safe and secure”.
Prof Tegmark, who cofounded the Future of Life Institute in 2014 to research and reduce risks posed by AI, said China is “limiting what AI can do” while the West stands idly by.
Rather than competing with the Chinese on the AI front, Britain, the US and their allies should look to join forces with the superpower, he added.
The researcher said the summit should have two main goals: to reach a joint communique from world leaders committing to improving AI safety to protect humans, and to recognise that working together in this area will benefit all nations.
Humans vs machines
Matt Clifford, an adviser to Mr Sunak, has said AI could reach an advanced stage where it could "kill many humans" if not kept under control.
AI technology that is being developed now could eventually become “more powerful than the US government” which would represent a direct threat to democracy, he warned.
“It’s obvious that if we can get it right the US, UK, China and other countries will dramatically get richer than they are today,” he explained.
“It’s important to remember that with future AI it will not be us vs them in terms of the East vs West. It will be us vs it, humans vs machines.
“AI has the potential to become the most dangerous thing ever. It’s going to become so powerful that this new technology will be a new species.
“We are going to have to make this safe or we could get wiped out.
“It’s important that Rishi Sunak really gets this. He may be one of the few world leaders who gets it, in which case it is awesome. But if he does not invite China I will withdraw this statement.
“I’m sure China would be happy to accept an invite.”
'Address dangerous rise in deepfakes'
Robert Pritchard, director of The Cyber Security Expert, a consultancy firm based in the West Midlands in England, said the current climate will provide much subject matter for the discussions, pointing to the rise in deepfakes.
This type of AI is used to create convincing images, audio or video hoaxes.
Politicians and celebrities have fallen victim to such technology.
DeepMedia, an American start-up that detects fake media online, estimated that 500,000 video and voice deepfakes would be shared on social media sites around the world in 2023.
The Electoral Commission, Britain’s electoral watchdog, issued a warning earlier this year saying current laws preventing political disinformation were “very old and really need to be updated”.
Mr Pritchard said highlighted the “dangerous” rise of deepfake technology and its spread on social media.
Online platforms are already being used by scammers to defraud people on a mammoth level, he said, and the government has yet to get on top of the problem.
He said fraud needs to be tackled head on in the current climate, instead of policymakers waiting for technological advancements to exacerbate the problem.
“It is foolish to think that AI advancements could cause online fraud to grow into a exponential problem because it already is a problem,” he told The National.
“I would like the government to have a specific focus on cyber fraud. We don’t do a particularly good job of clamping down on international gangs and organised crime.
“I think fraud should be in focus but I don’t think it needs special focus because of AI.”
The lack of certainty around the timing of the summit is reported to have irked Britain’s allies.
Oliver Dowden, the UK’s deputy prime minister, initially said a date in December had been earmarked. But multiple reports suggested it will be held in November.
A spokesman for the UK government said the details of the AI summit were still being finalised.
In a statement, the government said the event will bring together “key countries, as well as leading technology companies and researchers, to drive targeted, rapid international action and to build on developing the regulatory guardrails we need for the safe and responsible development of AI.”
“Our AI White Paper sets out a proportionate and adaptable approach to AI regulation to support its responsible development and deployment in the UK, as well as ensuring the right guardrails are in place to address any risks that may arise. We’ll set out further details on the summit due course.”
The UK published its AI White Paper in March, outlining its vision to adapt to the fast-moving developments of artificial intelligence in a strategy based on five principles including safety, transparency and fairness.
Britain’s AI industry contributed £3.7 billion to the economy and employed 50,000 people in 2022.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
The%20Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELamborghini%20LM002%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205.2-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20450hp%20at%206%2C800rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%20at%204%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFive-speed%20manual%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%209%20seconds%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201986-93%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20vehicles%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20328%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue%20today%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24300%2C000%2B%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AGUERO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Apps: 186
Goals: 127
Assists: 31
Wins: 117
Losses: 33
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: SimpliFi
Started: August 2021
Founder: Ali Sattar
Based: UAE
Industry: Finance, technology
Investors: 4DX, Rally Cap, Raed, Global Founders, Sukna and individuals
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.1L / 100km (estimated)
The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
'Jurassic%20World%20Dominion'
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?
Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
