Putin's AI Stance: Personal Avoidance, Official Usage

Post by : Raina Nasser

The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses not to engage with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, highlighted that although Putin personally refrains from using AI, several officials who operate under his leadership do find utility in such technology.

Peskov mentioned that AI tools played a role in organizing and addressing queries from the populace during Putin’s annual Q&A session. This platform enables citizens to directly inquire about pressing national and international matters.

This revelation follows Putin's recent call for establishing a national task force dedicated to advancing Russia’s domestic AI development. He underscored the necessity of homegrown generative AI technologies for upholding Russia’s technological self-reliance and diminishing dependence on external technologies.

The Kremlin's remarks delineate Putin's personal viewpoint on AI, while simultaneously indicating that Russian governmental bodies are progressively embracing AI for administrative and public communication enhancements. This development underscores Russia's escalating commitment to AI advancements, particularly in government services, data management, and national security.

By differentiating his personal choice from the growing usage among government officials, Putin conveys a tempered yet supportive stance towards AI and emphasizes the need for national projects aimed at fortifying Russia’s technological autonomy.