Join Fox News to gain access to this content, as well as special access to select articles and other premium content, all free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. This week, the U. S. State Department will host the first meeting of signatories to an agreement on artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on military applications as the top international concern. Mark Montgomery, senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation for the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, commended the State Department for prioritizing discussions on the ethical use of AI in military applications. However, he cautioned against reading too much into the voluntary grouping of nations, emphasizing that it is primarily about sharing information rather than making policy decisions. Notably, the countries with the most concerning military AI applications are absent from the agreement. Despite this, last year, the U. S. managed to secure signatures from 53 nations for the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

However, several notable countries, including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Israel, and India, did not sign. Out of the signatories, 42 nations will participate in this week's conference, which will include over 100 participants from diplomatic and military backgrounds. The conference aims to discuss various military applications of AI that have emerged in recent years and establish a system to keep states focused on the responsible use of AI. The State Department plans for this conference to mark the beginning of an ongoing series of meetings, ensuring signatories return each year to address the latest developments. In the interim, the department encourages signatories to hold meetings and engage in war games involving new AI technology, all to raise awareness and take concrete steps towards achieving the declaration's goals. According to a senior State Department official, the breadth and depth of support for the Political Declaration have been highly gratifying, as it reflects a range of perspectives and experiences from endorsing countries. While concerns about disinformation and job displacement exist, the primary concern surrounding AI in warfare and international security takes precedence. Bonnie Jenkins, the undersecretary of state for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, emphasized this concern during a recent speech at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The Biden administration heavily prioritizes championing the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of AI. Jenkins acknowledged that while AI holds tremendous potential for good, such as revolutionizing medicine, improving agriculture practices, combating global food insecurity, and mitigating climate change, it also carries the risk of causing harm. Jenkins added that even with well-meaning actors, the unchecked use of AI can intensify conflicts and disrupt global security. Although the future evolution of AI remains uncertain, she emphasized the importance of implementing policies and building technical capacities to enable responsible development and use, regardless of technological advancements.