The author also highlights the disconnect between the conference attendees and the real-world implications of their discussions. The event featured a panel discussion on ethics and human rights, but it was held in a remote part of the venue and the panelists avoided answering tough questions. The author also criticizes Palantir's new augmented reality tool for soldiers, which was showcased at the event, for its poor functionality. The article ends with a description of an exhibit by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which stood out for its focus on the victims of war, a perspective largely ignored at the conference.
Key takeaways:
- The inaugural “AI Expo for National Competitiveness” was held in Washington DC, featuring America’s military-industrial complex and top technology companies. The event was hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project, a thinktank created by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
- The conference's lead sponsor was Palantir, a software company co-founded by Peter Thiel, known for its work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and currently supplying AI products to the Israel Defense Forces.
- During a panel discussion, Palantir CEO, Alex Karp, aggressively condoned violence and insisted that the US has to “scare our adversaries to death” in war. His comments were met with laughter and applause from the audience.
- Despite the heavy focus on military and technological advancements, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ran an exhibit highlighting the impact of war on ordinary people. However, some attendees questioned why the ICRC was present at the conference.