President Biden warns that AI has the potential to do ‘great damage’ if it is not controlled

President Joe Biden, during his meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House on Thursday, warned of challenges posed by “staggering” advances in artificial intelligence technology.

Sunak positions the UK as a leader in the field and also wants London to become the base for an AI regulator.

He and Biden agreed to strengthen economic ties and work on AI safety.

At a joint press conference, the president said, “I don’t think there has ever been such a fundamental potential technological change in the history of human endeavor as artificial intelligence.

“It’s staggering.”

But that came with risks, he said.

‘How do we handle this?’ he asked. “Not only does it have the potential to cure cancer, and many other things beyond our comprehension, but it also has the potential to wreak havoc if left unchecked.”

Sunak announced that his government will bring together politicians, scientists and tech executives for an AI security conference later this year.

He said it was essential to ensure that “paradigm-shifting new technologies” were harnessed for good causes.

The pair also signed the ‘Atlantic Declaration’, outlining greater cooperation on pressing economic challenges in areas such as clean energy and critical minerals, as well as AI

At the end of the press conference, Biden was asked tough questions about Republican allegations of corruption.

Reporters shouted questions as the two prepared to leave the stage after spending 40 minutes answering four pre-selected journalists.

As the buzz died down, Biden was asked about Republican claims that a classified FBI document contains evidence that Biden was caught up in a $5 million bribery scheme when he was vice president. What would he say to Republicans in Congress?

“Where’s the money?” he said.

‘It’s a joke. It’s a lot of malarkey.’

His supporters insist the allegations are part of a political smear and point out that the FBI has decided not to pursue the allegations.

But Rep. James Comer, Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has pushed for the release of the document and last month subpoenaed the FBI for it.

He and Senator Chuck Grassley claim it “describes an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreigner involving the exchange of money for policy decisions.”

They have also said it pertains to Ukraine.

Biden’s flippant response infuriated Representative Nancy Mace, who sits on the oversight committee.

“We don’t think it’s funny to sell out your country,” she tweeted

Prove us wrong by releasing your and your family’s unredacted bank details. The FBI can’t protect you forever.’

White House officials have repeatedly expressed frustration over what they believe to be unfounded allegations, and the FBI has warned that the information has not been verified.

Biden was also asked what he was doing to protect the independence of the Justice Department after years of attacks by Donald Trump during his tenure and absence.

You would notice, I have never – not once – suggested [to] the Justice Department what they should or should not do with regard to whether or not to press charges,” he said. ‘I’m honest.’

Previously, Biden managed to ruin the introductions when he welcomed Sunak to the White House.

“Well, Mr. President,” he began as they sat down in the Oval Office before correcting himself. Mr. President? I just demoted you.’

Sunak laughed at the blunder as Biden continued, “Mr Prime Minister, it’s great to have you back.”

Sunak makes his first visit to the White House.

Biden, 80, has often been accused of rejecting the United Kingdom in favor of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and has messed up the pronunciation of Sunak’s name in the past.

Sunak arrives on a mission to build better ties as his country tries to find its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

He came armed with gifts and presented the president with a personalized waxed jacket. The navy blue $400 Bedale Barbour jacket was made near the parliamentary constituency of Sunak in North East England.

He also presented the president with a copy of a book written by his British great-great-grandfather.

‘Naval Discipline’ was written by Christopher Biden in the mid-1800s and covers the Royal Navy’s rules on mutiny.

The president mentioned it in a speech during his visit to Northern Ireland in April.

However, US officials have dashed hopes of a free trade deal between Washington and London.

Instead, their talks will focus on other forms of economic ties, the dangers of artificial intelligence and Ukraine.

“And as we’ve done before, the US and UK have united to support Ukraine and stand up for the values ​​of democracy and freedom and make sure they prevail, as I know we will,” Sunak said .

“But I also fully agree with what you said, our economies are undergoing perhaps the greatest transformation since the industrial revolution, as new technologies offer incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools to do harm.”

Biden brought up the history of the Oval Office, including the famous wartime meetings between the president and prime minister during the war.

“You know, Prime Minister Churchill and Roosevelt met here a little over seventy years ago,” he said. “And they claimed that the strength of the partnership between Britain and the United States was the strength of the free world.”

He said there were dozens of stories about Churchill’s visit and his bathing habit.

Sunak continued, “Wandering at three in the morning … Winston Churchill harasses Mrs. Roosevelt.”

‘Do not worry. You won’t see me bothering you and the first lady.

His government is eager to build better relations with Washington and forge closer economic ties as London finds its new place in the world after leaving the European Union.

After the turbulence of recent years – when Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss all came and went from number 10 in quick succession – Sunak intends to put in a more stable presence.

British officials and ministers have also been quietly trying to bolster US support for Ukraine over fears that America First Republicans in Congress could cut off supplies of arms and ammunition.

At the same time, Sunak’s Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace, is one of the possible contenders to take over as NATO Secretary General when Jens Stoltenberg steps down. Sunak will know that US support is essential to win the post, raising questions about whether the prime minister intends to use his visit to the White House to lobby Biden.