Sources: Scott Bessent is emerging as a frontrunner for the AI czar position; other names include WH OSTP Director Michael Kratsios and OPM Director Scott Kupor (Semafor)

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, is emerging as a frontrunner for the position of "AI czar" according to sources. Other names being considered for the role include White House OSTP Director Michael Kratsios and OPM Director Scott Kupor, as reported by Semafor.

Bessent has been actively involved in AI policymaking and has held discussions with Chinese officials on the topic. He recently met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss a potential US-China "notification mechanism" for communicating about AI incidents that pose threats to national security.

According to Fortune, Bessent has also emphasized that the creators of AI technology will be held responsible for its impact, stating that the government will not act as a "liability shield" for hyperscalers.

The US and China are set to meet again in about two months in Shenzhen, China, to discuss artificial intelligence dangers and communications protocols, as announced by Bessent. The White House has cautioned that any reporting on personnel decisions that have not been officially announced should be regarded as speculation.

Brief written by urgent.news from Techmeme, Semafor, Fortune, Economic Times Tech — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.