AI slowdown calls serve US interests, says French finance minister

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said on Wednesday that appeals to slow the development of artificial intelligence ultimately serve the interests of US leaders in the sector, and urged France and Europe to accelerate their own use of the technology so they can control its risks.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Paris organised by France Digitale, a French startup lobby, Lescure said the calls to slow down appear to come from those at the top of the class. He argued that making everyone behind them slow down would help them stay in first place, describing that as self-interest.

"I want us to step up our efforts in France and across Europe, to become a leader and to be able to manage the risks," Lescure said when asked about the debate around AI safety.

The discussion around AI risks gained momentum last week after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for a slowdown in the technology's development, citing several dangers including losing control of AI systems. Sam Altman, CEO of rival OpenAI, said he agreed with the need to pace AI development.

Their remarks followed statements from Anthropic researchers who said rapidly progressing AI could lead to the extinction of the human race in the near future.

Asked about the risks to humanity from AI, Lescure said he is always wary of definitive statements, adding that such statements can sometimes end up serving as a way to escape collective responsibility.

He did, however, identify risks arising from AI implementation in the cyber sector and in education, saying France and Europe had to be aware of them in order to manage them.