Former U.S. President Barack Obama urged Democrats to respond, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) could become dangerous if not properly controlled. With the midterm elections in Nov. approaching, AI regulation and safety issues appear to be emerging as new flash points in U.S. politics.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 13th (local time), the former president warned at a closed-door Democratic fundraiser held on the 10th in Manhattan, New York, that AI could pose risks if not properly managed.
He urged House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to set up a framework for public discussion on AI issues if Democrats win a House majority.
However, he drew a line, saying he was not arguing to block AI development itself or slow it drastically.
He said he is neither an "accelerationist," who believes AI development should be pushed as fast as possible, nor a "pessimist," who sees AI leading to catastrophe, adding, "If managed properly, it will clearly be a beneficial technology."
Obama's remarks contrast with U.S. President Donald Trump, who plays down AI risks.
Trump said the same day regarding AI safety concerns, "There are too many negative forces amplifying things that should not be amplified," expressing opposition to slowing the pace of AI development.
Recently, the AI industry has also seen growing calls to modulate the pace of technological development and strengthen safeguards. Some researchers and AI corporations' executives are warning that AI could slip beyond human control, fueling the debate.
The NYT reported that some Democrats view AI safety and regulation as issues that could differentiate them from Republicans in the midterms.
Obama also stressed that AI should be treated as a "core agenda" item in the 2028 presidential election and that concrete plans should be presented to address technological safety and economic impacts.