Bessent: 'No Immunity for AI Companies... Humans Must Take Responsibility, Not AI'

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the government will not grant immunity to artificial intelligence (AI) development companies, emphasizing that "humans must take responsibility themselves."

In an interview with CNBC on the 21st (local time), when asked whether he opposes strengthening regulations on the AI industry like President Donald Trump, Bessent replied that "the entity that bears responsibility is humans, not AI," adding that companies should not expect "legal liability exemption" from the government.

This aligns with President Trump's opposing stance supporting the expansion of the AI industry, despite recent calls from some AI industry leaders to slow down development, arguing that rapidly advancing AI models pose risks to humanity.

Ahead of the U.S.-China summit scheduled for the 24th, Bessent announced that he held a 12-hour meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on the 20th, during which they discussed establishing communication channels to prepare for potential future AI-related incidents.

He explained, "These channels are intended to help both sides reach a consensus on major AI risks, such as out-of-control AI agents or non-state actors like terrorist groups misusing AI for cyberattacks or biological weapons development."

Regarding the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rate hike last week, Bessent forecasted that interest rates would drop again once the war with Iran concludes.

"Once we successfully resolve this conflict, that will certainly happen," he said, adding, "We expect oil supplies to increase compared to before, and interest rates to decline."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.