News reaction: Global AI tech companies unite in historic safety commitments for AI Development

Today, on the opening day of the AI Seoul Summit, 16 leading AI companies from around the world, including those from the US, China, and the Middle East, agreed to a set of safety outcomes for the development of AI. 

These commitments—which encompass accountable governance structures, public transparency, and risk mitigation for frontier AI models—build on groundbreaking agreements forged with leading AI tech companies at Bletchley Park in the UK during the inaugural AI Safety Summit six months ago.  

These efforts represent a significant stride toward establishing global standards for AI safety.  

Chris Anley, Chief Scientist at NCC Group, commented:   

“The historic agreement today is another significant step forward for AI. It demonstrates continued momentum of global and industry-government collaboration following the inaugural summit in Bletchley Park last year. 
 

“Whether this will have a meaningful impact on regulation is another story. This is a voluntary commitment, not regulation or legislation.  
 

“The EU will still go ahead with its AI Act, with the UK likely following suit with a less stringent version of this legislation. The US will continue to rely on its convening power of technology firms. 
 

Practical impacts 
 

“In practical terms, the key outcomes align with the objectives and current practices of most frontier AI companies. The focus is on identifying and managing risk, ensuring accountability for the safe development and deployment of AI models and systems, and maintaining transparency to external actors, including governments. 
 

“This three pronged approach will help retain customer confidence, and acts as a public statement of intent - a promise - that the signatories will act on these safety and transparency commitments. 
 

Incentives to sign up 

“For the companies themselves, signing up certainly has strategic benefits. As well as promoting the safety and security of their products, it positions them at the cutting edge of AI. It is also a smart move to align and engage with the concerns of global governments.”