Why Britain should reject the lure of cheap
In the west the technology comes with at least some effort to provide security and a benign intent – not so from China
TL;DR
- Chinese AI developers are offering 'open-weight' models for free or at low costs, potentially undermining Western AI industries.
- Cheap Chinese technology, like electric cars and AI, is subsidized by Beijing to boost exports and weaken foreign domestic industries.
- AI provides Beijing with enhanced surveillance capabilities and control over its citizens, potentially aiding the Communist party's rule.
- China's 'belt and road' initiative aims to create dependencies on Chinese technology in client states.
- Chinese AI models have been found to contain political censorship and collect user data, which can be disclosed to Chinese authorities.
- The UK should reject cheap Chinese AI and instead support domestic and EU suppliers, as well as tame US AI.
- Relying on Chinese tech risks hollowing out domestic industry and undermining data security.