Iran and Russia Sign MOU to Cooperate on Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
TEHRAN – In a significant move towards advancing the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on ethics in AI. The agreement, signed on Saturday by key officials from both countries, aims to exchange ideas, Islamic ethics, and information in AI based on the principles of equality and cooperation.
Behrooz Minaei, the secretary of Iran’s Artificial Intelligence and robotics development headquarters, and Andrey Neznamov, the chairman of the Russian Commission on Ethics in AI, sealed the deal, as reported by ISNA. The collaboration also includes exchanging experiences in implementing ethical principles of AI across various fields of application and conducting advanced AI training sessions for Iranian experts with the participation of Russian AI ethics specialists.
With plans to allocate 50 trillion rials (approximately $100 million) towards developing infrastructure for AI operators in the upcoming year, Iran is gearing up to keep pace with the global growth in AI. Rouhollah Dehqani-Firouzabadi, the vice president for science and technology, emphasized the importance of AI and the need for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to drive progress in this field.
The establishment of the ‘National Steering Committee and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center’ by President Ebrahim Raisi further underscores Iran’s commitment to advancing AI technology. The national AI center aims to create a robust ecosystem for AI innovation, foster economic growth, and nurture talent in this rapidly evolving field.
Despite ranking 17th in scientific production and publication of AI articles globally, Iran lags behind in the practical application of AI, currently standing at 78th place. To bridge this gap, the Vice Presidency has outlined comprehensive plans to boost AI development across various sectors, emphasizing the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of technology.
As AI continues to permeate various industries, Iran’s strategic focus on AI development underscores its commitment to harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology. With collaborative efforts with Russia and a clear roadmap for AI advancement, Iran is poised to make significant strides in the realm of Artificial Intelligence.