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Nations must master AI or fall to 'power-seekers' monopoly: Khamenei

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Aug 2024 21:37
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Iran's leader emphasizes the need to reach the deep layers of AI and pursue the underlying infrastructure of the technology within the country.

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Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei delivering a speech during the official presidential endorsement ceremony of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, on July 28, 2024 (AFP)

Merely being a user of artificial intelligence AI technology is insufficient; the real advantage lies in mastering the deep layers of AI technology, which remain "in the hands of others," Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday.

"Our military & non-military organizations are using AI, but this shouldn't deceive us. Being an AI user isn't an advantage. AI has deep layers that must be mastered," Sayyed Khamenei said during his first official meeting with the 14th Iranian government in the presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Sayyed Khamenei warned that "if you fail to provide the deep, diverse layers of AI, world's power-seekers will establish an AI agency and then prevent you from crossing their boundaries."

If you fail to provide the deep, diverse layers of AI, world's power-seekers will establish an AI agency and then prevent you from crossing their boundaries. You must reach the deep layers of this technology, and pursue the underlying infrastructure of AI within the country.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) August 27, 2024

To avoid this, nations "must reach the deep layers of this technology, and pursue the underlying infrastructure of AI within the country," he said.

Cyberspace is no longer a mere virtual space but a tangible reality that is increasingly integrated into people's lives, the Iranian leader said, adding that this integration comes with the pressing need for well-defined rules governing cyberspace.

World countries are establishing legal frameworks for cyberspace, and it is the "duty" of a nation's governing institutions to set rules that "shouldn’t be violated," he continued.

“Cyberspace should be law-centered in the country, then it will be an opportunity."

"If you don't have a law in place for this, make one and take control of the situation according to that law. The entire world is doing this. See how this poor young man is being treated by the French. They arrest him because he violated their rules,” he asserted, referring to the recent arrest of Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, by French authorities.

“If we could have rule of law in cyberspace, this space will turn into an opportunity for the country, otherwise it may be a threat,” Sayyed Khamenei concluded.

Elsewhere his address to the cabinet, he said, "All of you are high-ranking officials of this country. It is the duty of all of us to support you, help you if you need help, and try to make you successful in your work."

"Today, you are in a position where you can be effective in the progress of the country and in the administration of the country's affairs... It is a great blessing for a person to be able to serve the people."