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- By themselves with the codes: the United States begins to fight against the AI technologies of Russia and other countries
By themselves with the codes: the United States begins to fight against the AI technologies of Russia and other countries
Counteraction in the field of artificial intelligence has become part of the global rivalry and has reached a new level. New technologies are increasingly being used as a tool of foreign policy, sanctions pressure and strategic confrontation, experts interviewed by Izvestia note. For example, the State Department has established a special bureau to counter AI solutions from unfriendly countries. Russia is listed among such states, along with Iran, China and the DPRK. What the new "cyber police" will do and how increased control will affect the development of AI in the world — in the Izvestia article.
How will the United States deal with Russian projects
The creation of a new bureau in the United States reflects the government's desire to strengthen control over technology development and counteract competitors in the international arena, experts say. In this regard, the State Department is forming a special unit to counter threats related to artificial intelligence and other advanced developments, ABC News reported. Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are among the main rivals, as well as non—state structures ranging from hacker groups to transnational networks.
The creation of such a body looks like a logical step, since artificial intelligence, cyber technologies, biotechnologies and big data analysis are directly related to issues of national security and global competition, said Ekaterina Nabatnikova, a media technologist, member of the Digoria expert club, and Director of Development at AIR Corporation.
"The new bureau will probably solve several tasks at once: monitor technological threats, from cyber attacks to deepfakes, coordinate sanctions and restrictions with allies, and analyze changes in the balance of power in the technological sphere," she believes.
In general, this fits into the already familiar US strategy: China is seen as the main technological competitor, Russia as an important player in cybersecurity and information warfare, and Iran and North Korea as countries actively using asymmetric tools, the expert noted.
At the same time, what is happening is part of a global trend, the world has already entered a phase of open competition in the field of AI, added Yegor Zubakin, a political scientist and expert at the New Era Development Center. Until recently, technology was perceived as a way to improve life, but now it is increasingly being viewed as a military, intelligence and information tool.
— Similar structures are being created in many countries — in China, EU countries and in the largest intelligence services. In this case, the United States was simply the first to formalize this process at the level of a separate department. In such conditions, having your own AI competencies becomes mandatory for effective intelligence and counterintelligence," he explained.
The creation of such a bureau is no longer just an administrative decision, but a sign that technology is beginning to play a key role in politics and security. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for business and innovation and is becoming part of foreign policy, sanctions pressure and strategic confrontation, the expert said.
Alexey Parfun, an AI expert and vice president of the Association of Communication Agencies of Russia, assesses the situation more harshly. According to him, we can talk about preparing for a new type of conflict.
— The creation of the Bureau of Emerging Threats is a direct recognition that AI and digital technologies are becoming the main field of confrontation. If resources and people are allocated to such a structure, it means that threats are perceived as real," he believes.
According to him, Russian solutions in the field of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity have already reached a level where they are perceived as a risk factor. At the same time, the United States sees the threat as broader than just AI: it also includes space technologies, critical infrastructure, and quantum developments. In the future, conflicts may shift from the traditional military sphere to the field of algorithms, satellite systems and cyber attacks on infrastructure, the expert believes.
He also pointed out the contradictions within American politics. On the day information about the creation of the new bureau appeared, the White House said that Congress should not create new structures to regulate AI. At the same time, the State Department is essentially doing just that. According to the expert, this may indicate an internal struggle between supporters of stricter regulation and a forceful approach in the American administration.
The creation of a new bureau is not an emergency measure, but part of a pre—planned reform of the State Department, synchronized with the updated US national policy in the field of AI, notes Artem Nalivaiko, co-founder of the information security company 3Side.
— We are talking about a systemic institutional response to technological threats, while Washington shares the opposition to specific countries and the fight against technological risks themselves. The United States recognizes the presence of significant attacking capabilities in a number of states, including Russia and China, and in general, what is happening demonstrates the growing attention of the American authorities to the development and control of artificial intelligence," the expert explained.
Further development of the domestic AI sphere
Technology competition goes beyond purely engineering solutions and affects deeper levels — the struggle for meanings, values and perception of reality, said Valeria Filippova, Vice President of the NGO Center for Social Architecture Sphere.
— In the West, the term "cognitive warfare" is increasingly used when the impact is directed at people's consciousness: attempts to influence public opinion, strengthen divisions and radicalize groups. In Russian analytics, the concept of "mental warfare" is more often used — a broader confrontation affecting the foundations of society and its ability to independently determine development, she said.
According to the expert, such a confrontation can be considered on three levels. The first is technology and specific actions: sanctions, restrictions, cyber attacks. The second is the quality of analytics and the ability to make decisions. The third, the deepest, is the level of values and worldview. At the same time, the West is now stronger on the first two levels, while the third remains not fully implemented by either side.
The creation of a new bureau can be both a political signal and part of a longer-term strategy. According to Alexey Parfun, the United States is most likely preparing for a protracted technological confrontation, where AI and digital tools will play a key role.
Valeria Filippova notes that in such a situation, simply copying other people's approaches does not work. It is much more important to rely on your own principles and build a system that allows you to make decisions based on long-term goals. This includes the development of an analytical culture and the integration of "mental security" issues into the overall national security system.
Against this background, Russian AI developments are gaining international recognition. Andreessen Horowitz, one of the largest venture capital funds in the world, includes them in global audience ratings. In particular, Yandex's solutions with the Alice voice assistant are among the world leaders, and Sberbank's developments, including GigaChat, are among the top 50 AI products.
— Such assessments confirm that Russia has developed its own technological ecosystem with strong players and a competitive environment. International recognition cements the country's status as one of the centers of AI development along with the United States and China, the AI Alliance said.
In general, experts believe that the creation of a new bureau in the United States is part of a broader trend: artificial intelligence is becoming a key factor in global politics, and competition around it goes far beyond technology, affecting security, economics, and development models.
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