Key facts
- AI security and emerging technologies are a quiet concern at the NATO summit in Ankara.
- The official summit agenda includes a session on emerging and disruptive technologies, including AI.
- A NATO policy statement expected at the summit's end will briefly mention AI and cyber.
- The U.S. State Department's Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau will not have a representative at the summit.
- Senator Jeanne Shaheen plans to attend to address allied concerns about U.S. AI model access.
Artificial intelligence security concerns are subtly influencing the discussions at the NATO summit in Ankara. While AI and emerging technologies are part of the official agenda under the theme of maintaining NATO's technological edge, concrete policy discussions may be limited due to a lack of international consensus.
An official familiar with private conversations among NATO members stated that cyber, AI, and emerging technologies would receive a brief mention in the official policy statement to be released at the summit's conclusion. Spokespeople for NATO did not comment on whether specific AI and cyber policy discussions would occur.
A White House official confirmed ongoing collaboration with allies to protect collective national security while encouraging innovation. However, a U.S. delegation official revealed that the State Department’s Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau would not be sending a representative, as negotiations continue regarding which department office will handle AI issues. On the summit's sidelines, Nate Fick, the former U.S. cyber ambassador, met with Ukrainian officials.
Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, a visiting fellow at the German Marshall Foundation and former NATO cyber policy leader, suggested that discussions might occur informally in the margins, as international rules generally prevent discussing topics lacking consensus. Senator Jeanne Shaheen plans to attend the summit, aiming to alleviate allied nations' concerns about potential alienation regarding access to U.S. AI models.