Ramaphosa Calls For Independent AI Oversight

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for BRICS to establish an international mechanism for the independent scientific evaluation of artificial intelligence, warning that technological capabilities must not outpace humanity’s ability to understand and control them.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sunday, Ramaphosa said AI could increase productivity and support progress but also carry risks as increasingly powerful systems reshape economic and social life.

He said responsible use of AI could help reduce inequality, poverty, and underdevelopment while transforming medicine, education, scientific research, and agricultural productivity.

Ramaphosa urged governments to consider warnings from developers of advanced AI systems. He identified risks including advanced cyber operations, assistance in developing biological weapons, autonomous actions, manipulation, mass surveillance, disruption of employment, and systems becoming difficult for humans to control.

He backed calls by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei for formal external checks, audits and government oversight of AI companies. Ramaphosa compared the proposed oversight with existing safeguards in sectors including aviation, pharmaceuticals, nuclear power, and financial services.

He proposed that BRICS create an international mechanism for independent scientific evaluation of AI, supported by principles of meaningful human control and mandatory reporting of serious incidents.

Ramaphosa also called for stronger safeguards as AI capabilities develop and for increased investment in sovereign AI capacity in developing economies.

He welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposal to establish an AI ecosystem for BRICS and said South Africa supported the initiative.

The proposed BRICS mechanism and its structure have not yet been established.

SOURCE: AA