Musk: ‘Thank you for recognizing concerns about safety of digital superintelligence.’
By Ben Rappaport, United with Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday revealed that he had spoken with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk about artificial intelligence, ahead of the development of Israel’s “national AI strategy.”
“Had an insightful talk on AI with Elon Musk, whose genius and impact on humanity are formidable,” Netanyahu tweeted.
“I will soon assemble experts to develop a national AI strategy for Israel.
“Just as we turned Israel into a cyber powerhouse, we’ll repeat that success in AI!” Netanyahu added.
Musk later responded to Netanyahu, writing, “Thank you for recognizing concerns about safety of digital superintelligence, which affects all of humanity.”
This week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visited Israel and said he believes “Israel will play a huge role” in AI technology.
“There are two things I have observed that are particular about Israel: The first is talent density – this is a smallish country that punches way above its weight — and the second is the relentlessness, drive, and ambition of Israeli entrepreneurs,” Altman told an audience at Tel Aviv University.
“Those two things together are optimal to lead to incredible prosperity both in terms of AI research and AI applications.”
“The rate at which the tech and startup community in Israel is embracing AI is incredible to watch,” Altman also said during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
“The energy on making use of the technology and its positive benefits is fantastic to see, and I am sure Israel will play a huge role — its tech community is truly amazing.”