Regulation would encourage AI innovation, uOttawa prof argues after Paris summit [Video]

Regulation of artificial intelligence would encourage — not stifle — innovation, says a University of Ottawa professor who presented at last week’s global AI summit.

Florian Martin-Bariteau, who is also the university’s chair of technology and society, flew across the Atlantic to address world leaders in Paris at a summit meant to set a global agenda for the rapidly developing technology.

Such international summits have been held annually since 2023 and bring together world leaders, researchers, and AI companies.

“Not any kind of innovation is good for society,” Martin-Bariteau said in an interview with CBC’s Ottawa Morning.

“Regulation is not always bad. It can help provide a playbook for innovators, know what they can do, not do, and innovate in a safe environment.”

Martin-Bariteau said he was hopeful the summit would allow leaders to develop concrete plans to handle AI, but instead faced a reality that was like “a cold shower.”

Conversations at the summit were “light toward commitment” and …