Google CEO warns of AI divide and announces $120m education fund

Smart regulation is essential to avoid a global AI divide, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai urged at the UN Summit of the Future.

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Speaking at the UN Summit of the Future 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as the most transformative technology yet and announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund. The fund would provide AI education and training worldwide through partnerships with local NGOs and nonprofits.

Pichai highlighted four key areas where AI can contribute to sustainable development: language accessibility, scientific discovery, climate disaster alerts, and economic progress. He stressed the importance of harnessing AI for global advancement while addressing its risks.

He also warned of the potential for an ‘AI divide,’ where some regions may need to catch up in access to the technology. To combat this, Pichai called for smart global regulations that mitigate harm without promoting national protectionism, which could limit the benefits of AI.

Although Pichai did not mention the environmental impacts of AI, he emphasised the need for balanced regulation to ensure equal access and opportunities for AI development worldwide.