Web Summit attendees aren't buying Scale AI CEO’s push for America ‘to win the AI war’ | TechCrunch
Feb 25, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Last month, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang took out a full-page ad in the Washington Post, urging President Trump that the U.S. must win the AI race, particularly against China. This sparked mixed reactions, as seen during Wang's appearance at Web Summit Qatar, where most attendees disagreed with his stance. Wang argued that AI will fundamentally change national security and expressed concern that China could surpass Western military capabilities through AI advancements. He emphasized the importance of choosing between U.S. and Chinese AI models, highlighting that U.S. models support free speech, while Chinese models may incorporate government censorship.
Wang's comments coincided with Scale AI's announcement of a partnership with the Qatar government to develop 50 AI-powered apps across various sectors. Scale AI is known for its work with major U.S. tech companies and its products for the defense industry. The pro-American stance likely benefits Scale AI's relationships with U.S. Department of Defense clients, but the Web Summit talk revealed discomfort among some with the idea of the U.S. holding AI superpowers.
Key takeaways:
Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang advocates for the U.S. to win the AI race against China, emphasizing national security concerns.
Wang's stance received mixed reactions, with many at Web Summit Qatar disagreeing with his opinion.
Wang argues that U.S. AI models support free speech, contrasting with Chinese models that may include government censorship.
Scale AI announced a partnership with Qatar to develop 50 AI-powered government apps, highlighting its global influence and defense industry connections.
