The head of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Monday stressed the importance of greater cooperation to ensure both the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence are carefully weighed up to best serve humankind, while also hailing China as a global leader in the field of AI.
Daren Tang, WIPO's director general, was speaking via video link at the third China Media Group (CMG) Forum, held in Beijing on Monday under the theme "A Force for Good: Shared Responsibility in AI". The event gathered more than 200 representatives from international organizations, multinational firms, mainstream Chinese and overseas media outlets and think tanks, who joined in both offline and online formats.
Tang began his address by referring to the great historical progress made by Chinese civilization, noting the four great inventions of ancient China. He said China has also played an important role in setting the pace for development of new technologies thanks to its long-term "inventiveness and ingenuity."
"Last year, WIPO and China celebrated 50 years of our relationship together. And in these past five decades, China's IP ecosystem has developed tremendously. But one must remember also that China has been an innovative civilization for thousands of years. From ancient inventions like silk, paper-making, printing, and the compass, to modern technological advances in robotics, telecoms and green technology -- China has been a powerhouse of inventiveness and ingenuity for many, many years," he said.
"It's therefore no surprise to see China emerge as a global leader in AI development, home to over 60 percent of AI patents granted around the world in 2022," added Tang.
He also highlighted the potentially game-changing impact of AI, specifically generative AI models, on the global media landscape, noting these tools should be carefully utilized to support journalists and revolutionize content delivery.
"Gen AI is making headlines every day, and this important evolution in technology is really having a strong impact on the global media landscape. As with previous technological advances like the dictaphone, personal computers and Internet, this latest innovation can support journalists in their craft and catalyze new ways of bringing content to your readers and to your audiences," he said. However, Tang warned of potential hazards posed by advanced AI, urging more efforts to leverage opportunities and guard against risks in this fast-changing sector.
"There are some concerns as well about the rise in misinformation, and that AI can impact on media jobs and on quality journalism, [by] being used to train platforms without consent. The key to making sure that AI is balanced with both opportunities and risks is to work together so that this technology will continue serving humankind. As a United Nations agency for innovation, creativity and intellectual property, WIPO is paying close attention to this issue and working with everyone to make sure that AI is used for good. So we are very happy to see that one of the world's largest media conglomerates echoes this approach as well. And we wish you all a fruitful and affirmative discussions this week," he said.
WIPO chief calls for cooperation to balance opportunities, risks in AI sector
