Singapore backs global push for guardrails on frontier AI

Singapore has joined international leaders in advocating for stronger safeguards for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems as their development accelerates, and the potential dangers they could present if not handled properly. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that AI presents immense potential but must remain under human control and monitoring.

"We aim to leverage AI to benefit Singapore and our citizens. However, as AI grows more potent, we must also address the risks," Wong stated on Facebook today. He reiterated that Singapore supports the global AI safety declaration spearheaded by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, along with other world leaders.

Wong stated that it is crucial to continue seeking practical means to establish common ground and attract additional nations to cooperate. A total of 22 world leaders endorsed the joint AI safety declaration on Monday, endorsing recent efforts aimed at mitigating risks linked to frontier technologies. The declaration urged firms to establish transparent safety measures, such as mandatory pre-deployment testing and independent evaluations conducted by qualified assessors with adequate access to evaluate risks.

It also called for governments and regional bodies to develop and harmonize common standards, enhance transparency through shared reporting of significant safety incidents, and guarantee that countries worldwide have access to scientific expertise and dependable assessment resources. The statement further urged UN member states to build upon existing international frameworks and contemplate establishing an international body capable of setting standards, facilitating verification, and convening nations when certain capability thresholds are attained.