Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  was speaking at the inaugural GovTech Summit, in Paris, today (Nov 12), which is the largest gathering of political leaders, entrepreneurs and investors in technology to improve public services and democratic practices.

He said: “There is a need to set up a framework within AI for good. How do we make sure our technologies are more beneficial to humanity than detrimental?”

His comments come as technologist reach closer to creating true AI that can think entirely independently of humans. Some fear true AI may not choose to help humans but instead work to protect itself or planet Earth.

Also speaking at the event European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel admitted many were worried about AI and privacy issues.

“Our citizens are concerned about AI,” she said. “AI doesn’t know any borders. Our approach is on values. We need to talk about privacy protection.”

Organised by PUBLIC, and supported by the President of France Emmanuel Macron, the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, and the European Commission, the one-day summit hosts a series of panels focusing on topics from artificial intelligence in government to the future of healthcare

Key guests & speakers to the GovTech Summit include: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau; fromer Secretary-General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen; and Vice-President of the European Commission Andrus Ansip.