Lauterbach calls for global AI regulation due to terrorist and financial risks

The chairman of the research committee in the Bundestag, Karl Lauterbach (SPD), has called for global regulation of artificial intelligence. "We actually need safety rules now. Germany also has to fight for this regulation to come about. Self-regulation by companies will not be enough," he told the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger".

There must be independent controls as to what the AI ​​models are capable of. “Particularly dangerous uses, such as the production of weapons-grade products, must be switched off,” emphasized the former Federal Minister of Health. “Nobody is allowed to bring a model onto the market without safety guarantees.”

According to Lauterbach, AI will very soon be able to develop substances that can be used for terrorist purposes, such as particularly aggressive viruses or toxic chemicals. He mentioned AI attacks on the financial markets as another scenario. “The systems will have capabilities with which they could cause gigantic economic damage,” said Lauterbach.

Growing blackmail potential

“The potential for blackmail grows exponentially.” In addition, states with highly developed AI would have enormous power over other states. “For example, second-strike defense may no longer be possible in the event of a nuclear attack,” he explained.

The entire national and alliance defense must be rethought – “especially in Europe, which is particularly threatened”. Europe does not have its own AI that is even remotely comparable to the best American and Chinese systems, said Lauterbach.