Pope Leo pushes back on Nvidia’s Jensen Huang over AI regulation

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration between the US and China to address risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The world's most valuable company, valued at approximately US$5.5 trillion, must collaborate to harness the technology's potential for good while preventing harm. Huang stressed that competition does not preclude collaboration, and the technology presents significant opportunities for both nations.

Huang's remarks followed President Donald Trump's statements at the United Nations General Assembly, where he rejected efforts to subject US technology to international regulatory frameworks or global oversight. Trump expressed confidence that the US would remain ahead of China in AI development, stating, "We are way ahead of China with AI."

Nvidia announced on the same day the approval to repurchase US$150 billion of its own stock, a record global figure. Huang also introduced a new software platform aimed at addressing concerns about AI agents "going rogue" and operating beyond human control. The Taiwanese-American entrepreneur addressed this during a speech at the Korea Society, where he received the Van Fleet Award for contributing to US-South Korea relations.

China is considering allowing its largest tech companies to purchase Nvidia chips again, after initially blocking them to boost China's tech self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on US export controls. Huang acknowledged the tension between China's desire to support domestic companies and the need for global compute capacity in the digital economy.

He suggested that addressing AI concerns involves using technology to better control and shape its use, rather than restricting the technology itself. Huang cited advancements in automobile safety, which have reduced risks despite increased capabilities, as an example of how technology can simultaneously enhance safety and performance.