Von der Leyen: U.S. and EU share interest in safe, advanced AI models

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the mutual benefit for the United States and the European Union in fostering the development and secure deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence models. Speaking at a G7 working lunch in Évian-les-Bains, France, she highlighted the interconnectedness of their financial systems and the importance of ensuring citizens and companies can safely utilize the most advanced AI technologies. Von der Leyen drew a parallel between AI development and aviation safety, a sector where both the U.S. and EU are global leaders. "We test airplanes before they fly," she stated, advocating for the two blocs to set a similar example in AI safety standards. She expressed anticipation for enhanced collaboration with the U.S. in this critical domain. These statements come shortly after the U.S. company Anthropic suspended foreign users' access to its most sophisticated AI models, including one named Mythos, which was designed to identify software vulnerabilities and bolster cyber defenses. The U.S. government issued an order prompting this action. Cybersecurity experts have voiced concerns that such powerful AI tools could potentially be repurposed to facilitate complex cyberattacks against financial and digital infrastructures. The Commission president's push for cooperation underscores a growing global focus on regulating and managing the risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies, while also seeking to harness their potential benefits.

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We use the technologies developed by our trusted partners, and our financial systems are interconnected. It is in our common interest that our citizens and companies can safely use the most powerful artificial intelligence models.