China and the United States must increase information sharing regarding artificial intelligence (AI) safety and ensure a secure future for humanity, said Steve Hoffman, a Silicon Valley investor.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Hoffman pointed out three challenges regarding AI safety.
First, there is the risk that AI agents could break out of their secure containers -- known as "sandboxes" -- act autonomously, hack other systems, and deceive their owners. According to Hoffman, this problem knows no boundaries, and humans would need to react immediately if an AI were to breach a financial system or power plant, or even trigger a nuclear incident.
In this context, he underscored the urgency of an exchange of information.
"The most important thing we can do as nations, and we are starting this process right now with the meeting of the presidents of both countries coming together, is how do we exchange information, when there is a bridge, when AI actually doesn't do what we intend it to do and can do things that are unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said Hoffman, chairman and CEO of Founders Space, a global innovation hub for entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors headquarted in San Francisco.
To this end, an international organization funded by all the leading AI players should be established to ensure AI is developed safely.
Hoffman pointed out that the second challenge is the risk that AI models could be misused by terrorist groups or criminal syndicates.
"Criminal syndicates are using deepfakes from AI to scam people and commit all sorts of cybercrimes. And then you have terrorist groups which potentially can use AI to actually potentially create a pathogen, a biological pathogen that they could release and cause mass destruction on humanity. We want to make sure this never happens. So it's up to the leading countries to figure out how we can control AI and make sure that it is used by good actors and not bad actors," he said.
Third, Hoffman warned of a future scenario in which AI becomes more powerful and intelligent than humans -- integrated into the economy, daily life and the military. He noted that people have not even begun to address this problem, and called on the United States, China and Europe to lead the way in securely building the infrastructure for humanity's future.
Silicon Valley investor calls for stronger China-U.S. communication, AI security controls
China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Lotus Square on Thursday morning to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
At 08:00, a flag-bearing contingent composed of members of the Police Tactical Intervention Unit, a subordinate of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao, escorted the national flag and the Macao SAR flag into the square in a Chinese-style marching step.
This marks the first time members of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau have participated in a flag-raising ceremony using Chinese-style drill formations. To match the style, the contingent members wore brand-new uniforms and were equipped with brand-new gear.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended the ceremony, along with heads of central government agencies in Macao and representatives of people from all walks of life in the region.
Young representatives from Macao who had previously traveled to Beijing to participate in the "Salute to the National Flag" event also attended the ceremony.
"As a youth from Macao, I feel particularly honored and proud to be able to participate in this flag-raising ceremony. After watching the ceremony, I feel extremely moved and excited," said Tai U Fei, a student from the Macao SAR.
"This is the first time this year to witness the change from the Portuguese-style to the Chinese-style drill formations. I had seen their training before, and this time I was able to witness this historic moment with my own eyes at the Golden Lotus Square. I feel very honored. We had just returned from our visit to Beijing, where we also watched the same flag-raising ceremony from the viewing stand at Tian'anmen Square. When those familiar steps came to our land in Macao, I felt a strong sense of familiarity and honor. My feelings today are as warm as the sunshine," said another young student named Che Hang Kok.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, the Macao SAR government held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Sam said the motherland's vigorous development and constant progress have always been the strongest support and warmest haven for the Macao SAR.
Looking ahead, Macao will demonstrate greater resolve and adopt a more forward-looking approach to push the SAR to make greater contribution to the great cause of building China into a powerful country and realizing national rejuvenation, he said, adding that the SAR will write a new chapter in the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.
Flag-raising ceremony held in Macao to mark 77th founding anniversary of PRC
