AI Progress Spurs Global Benefits and Security Fears

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have made remarkable progress, advancing from basic guesses to achieving PhD-level performance in science within 21 months. Beyond technical achievement, AI is now being used for social good, sustainability, and improving human well-being in fields like healthcare and education. Healthcare leaders emphasize the importance of standardized data and strong policy frameworks to address privacy, bias, and cost concerns. National security fears have surfaced, with a U.S. House panel warning that China-based DeepSeek poses risks due to alleged data harvesting and use of stolen U.S. technology. Despite rapid progress, AI still faces challenges in contextual understanding and accountability, particularly in critical software development. Industry leaders and policymakers are urged to ensure that AI innovation is ethically governed and aligned with societal interests.