Putin orders development of AI in cooperation with China – Reuters

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and Sberbank, the country's largest bank, to enhance cooperation with China in the development of artificial intelligence.

Source: Reuters

Details: Putin's order was published on the Kremlin's website on 1 January, three weeks after the announcement that Russia would unite with BRICS partners and other nations to advance AI technology.

He tasked the government and Sberbank, which leads Russia's AI efforts, to "ensure further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence".

Global microchip producers have ceased exports to Russia due to sanctions, severely limiting the country's AI ambitions. In 2023, Sberbank CEO German Gref acknowledged that graphics processors, which are essential for the development of AI, are one the most challenging types of tech for Russia to replace.

By collaborating with non-Western nations, Russia aims to challenge US dominance in one of the most pivotal technologies of the 21st century.

Background:

• On 11 December, Putin announced the creation of a new AI Alliance Network, aimed at bringing together specialists from BRICS nations and other interested states.
• Currently, Russia ranks 31st out of 83 countries in the Global AI Index, which measures AI adoption, innovation and investment.

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