New Delhi: At the AI Summit, Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer of OpenAI, addressed concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence, including its potential use in spreading terror or engaging in harmful activities.
During the session, Lehane was asked about instances where companies have acknowledged that their AI systems exhibited unexpected behaviour, including actions that were neither anticipated nor explicitly commanded.
Responding to the concerns, Lehane said the focus must remain on building robust safety frameworks. “We should look at the positive side. The United States has an AI Safety Institute, and similar institutions are operating in Japan and Singapore. India is also considering setting up such an institute. These bodies are working towards creating global standards for democratic countries,” he said.
He stressed that new AI models must be released only after factoring in potential risks and safeguards. “Democratic AI is crucial for the future,” Lehane added, underscoring the need for shared principles among like-minded nations.
Lehane said AI systems are being developed with a “safety-by-design” approach from the outset to prevent misuse and reduce the risk of falling into the wrong hands.
He further clarified that AI should not be viewed as an uncontrolled technology similar to social media platforms, but rather as a productivity-driven tool. Given its transformative potential, he said, clear regulations, international cooperation and strong governance frameworks are essential to ensure responsible deployment.
