EU warns artificial intelligence (AI) could become a political weapon

BRUSSELS – The European Union's digital chief Henna Virkkunen has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a geopolitical tool that governments could use to advance strategic interests, urging Europe to reduce its reliance on foreign technology.

Virkkunen said countries or companies controlling the world's most advanced AI systems could potentially restrict access to the technology, creating risks for security, economies and essential services in other nations. She described technological independence as a growing challenge in the global AI race.

The warning came after the United States temporarily restricted exports of some advanced AI technologies before reversing the decision. Virkkunen said the episode demonstrated how AI could be used as an instrument of political and strategic pressure.

The EU has launched initiatives aimed at strengthening its technological sovereignty, including investment in European AI companies, expanding data centres, developing cloud infrastructure and supporting the electronics industry.

Meanwhile, Meta's AI system is facing scrutiny following concerns over inaccurate responses and the spread of unreliable information. Some users have reported that Meta AI can sometimes provide misleading or unverified answers.

Somali media outlet Garowe Online has previously warned about the restrictions and risks associated with Meta's AI systems that do not function properly, highlighting that inaccurate AI-generated responses could affect information accuracy, journalism and public understanding.

The concerns have renewed calls for technology companies to strengthen safeguards and improve the reliability of AI systems to prevent the spread of misinformation and reduce potential harm.