Testimony

Helen Toner’s Testimony Before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

Helen Toner

June 7, 2019

CSET Director of Strategy Helen Toner testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission at a hearing on "Technology, Trade, and Military-Civil Fusion: China’s Pursuit of Artificial Intelligence, New Materials, and New Energy."

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CSET Director of Strategy Helen Toner testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the key features of AI as a technology and some common misconceptions. Helen described:

  • Why AI should not be thought of as a typical dual-use technology;
  • Why AI research is characterized by an unusually open and collaborative environment, and what value that has;
  • The potential costs to the United States of any restrictive measures that are not highly targeted;
  • The role of human capital in AI research, and importance of strategic immigration policy to bolster U.S. competitiveness;
  • China’s approach to data privacy, and why discussions of human rights abuses in Xinjiang should not be closely tied to discussions of AI; and
  • The current state of standardization efforts for AI.

Additionally, Helen provided recommendations for strengthening the U.S. competitive advantage in AI.