Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay issued a stark warning against "unbridled" artificial intelligence development, urging for stronger guardrails and responsible oversight as nations accelerate AI adoption.
Speaking at India's AI Impact Summit, Tobgay emphasized the need to move beyond discussions to concrete implementation of regulations and transparency. He voiced growing global concerns that unchecked AI could be misused for destructive purposes.
"We cannot just open the floodgates and allow an unbridled sort of development of AI," Tobgay stated. He stressed that AI must align with Bhutan's development philosophy of gross national happiness, prioritizing the well-being and values of its citizens while also supporting economic growth and environmental commitments.
While acknowledging anxieties about AI's impact on labor markets, Tobgay expressed optimism about new opportunities, provided nations are prepared for the digital transformation. Bhutan aims to ensure AI policies strengthen, rather than erode, its cultural, spiritual, environmental, and governance values.