Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov expressed the opinion that Russia should adopt a binding ethical principle to regulate the use of artificial intelligence technologies, as it is an important resource for development.
Pushkov criticized what he described as the Western approach based on the widespread integration of algorithms without clear ethical controls.
The chairman of the Information Policy and Interaction with the Media Committee of the Russian Federation Council said at the conclusion of the committee meeting on July 2 that it is necessary to ensure that humans in Russia remain in control of artificial intelligence, and not allow artificial intelligence to become an entity that dominates humans.
He pointed out a contradiction in the digital age, where technologies provide vast possibilities on the one hand, but at the same time may lead to increased dependency on the other, warning of what he described as the danger of the Western model that gives large technology companies broad influence over society.
Pushkov added that technologies are like "a plant that needs care," with the need to remove "poisonous branches" in a timely manner, especially with regard to preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence in education and protecting children from delegating educational tasks to machines.
He also noted that some countries view Russia as a model of moderation in this area, warning that this status could be lost with the development of new technologies. He quoted representatives of what he called the "global majority" as saying that Russia represents "the last force of moderation" in this field.
The senator believes that imposing ethical restrictions on the development of artificial intelligence could give Russia an additional competitive advantage, stressing that this could contribute to enhancing its appeal on the international stage.
Pushkov concluded by emphasizing that the task of the relevant committee in the Federation Council is to clarify that artificial intelligence is a positive tool, but it requires awareness of potential risks, so that humans do not become "passive users" dependent on machines without critical thinking.
Pushkov likened technology to a plant that needs care, but whose "poisonous branches" must be cut off at the right time. This applies primarily to preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence in education , as well as protecting children from having parental roles delegated to machines .
According to Pushkov's assessment, many countries view Russia as a bastion of moderation ("normality"), and this status must not be lost when implementing innovations. He quoted feedback from representatives of the global majority as saying, "Everyone tells us: 'Don't deviate from this path; you are the last vestige of moderation. You are the last great power that represents moderation.'"
The senator believes that the ethical restrictions imposed on the development of artificial intelligence could constitute a competitive advantage for the country , adding: "This will be an additional factor in attracting the world towards Russia."
Alexei Pushkov concluded that the task of the relevant committee in the Federation Council is to convey a new reality to citizens, namely that artificial intelligence is positive, but requires awareness of potential risks, so that humans do not become "zero-sum experts" who trust the machine without thinking.
