Artificial Intelligence in Russia Issue 12, October 9, 2020

The Artificial Intelligence in Russia newsletter features a summary of recent Russian-language reports on the Russian AI and autonomy ecosystem, divided into the following sections:

• Governance and Legal Developments
• Military and Security Developments
• Corporate and Market Developments
• Education and Training Developments
• Spotlight: Surface naval mine systems
• In Brief: Interview with Dr. Artyom Oganov

The following preview shows the first item in this issue:

1. Putin discusses AI at UN General Assembly session

On September 22, Vladimir Putin spoke via videoconference at the plenary session of the 75th meeting of the UN General Assembly. One topic he discussed was the regulation of advanced digital technologies and AI. He stated that advanced digital technologies have made it possible to adapt to the changing circumstances of the pandemic, including through the services and distance learning they provide, and that AI has been used in the medical domain to make diagnoses more rapidly and accurately and to choose the ideal treatment for individuals. At the same time, Putin said that, unlike other innovations, digital technologies could spread uncontrollably and fall into the hands of radicals and extremists around the world, much as conventional weapons can. He therefore urged the UN members to seriously consider the issues of cybersecurity and digital technologies, and to listen to citizens when they express worry over the protection of their privacy, property, and security. Putin concluded by stating that nations must learn how to use advanced technologies to the benefit of society and strike the correct balance between incentivizing the development of AI and implementing appropriate restrictive measures. Ultimately, he believes that states should jointly agree on regulations that would halt potential threats, not just to military and technological security, but to traditions, law, and morality as well.