AI used by 60% of Russian companies and in printing federal budget - Zhukov
BRASILIA. June 5 (Interfax) - Developing artificial intelligence (AI) requires uniform international standards of safety and ethics because the technology is already being actively used by private companies and in managing government resources, including the preparation of a Russian federal budget, the Russian Duma's first deputy speaker Alexander Zhukov said at the eleventh BRICS parliamentary forum on Thursday.
"Russia is currently introducing AI in the sphere of public administration: bureaucratic procedures are being automated, a qualitatively different level of control and decision-making is being ensured. Moreover, last year AI was used even in preparing a Russian federal budget," Zhukov said.
The combined economic effect from the introduction of AI in BRICS countries could amount to almost $1 trillion by 2030, he said. "No doubt, AI is one of key and most important technologies of the 21st century. It is progressing very rapidly: over the two years, almost from scratch, 60% of Russian companies either already introduced or are testing AI technologies," Zhukov said.
There is a need for legal regulation that matches the scale and speed of technological development, he said. "We are seeing a lack of legal regulation of this sphere," he said, adding that parliaments in BRICS countries must work out national documents to ensure a transparent and ethical safe use of AI.
"We consider it necessary to work out common international ethical norms and safety rules in the AI sphere," Zhukov said.
Russia already proposed a Code of AI Ethics, joined by over 900 organizations from more than 20 countries, he said.
"We are ready to share our developments and experience with colleagues, we propose considering creating an international group of experts to work out balanced approaches to AI regulation," Zhukov said. BRICS is capable of not only expanding sectoral cooperation, but also forming joint approaches at multilateral platforms, primarily the UN, he said.
The forum, titled "Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation for Responsible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence," is held in Brasilia on June 5.
