The President expressed his appreciation for Google's contribution to strengthening the digital and cybersecurity capabilities of Latvian society and businesses. E. Rinkēvičs highlighted the innovations of Latvian start-ups, including in the field of artificial intelligence, and called on Google to expand available programmes and cooperation. "There are numerous good examples in Latvia of leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence to boost innovation. Google can be a valuable partner in supporting the growth of such companies and advancing Latvia's digital transition," said E. Rinkēvičs.
The President of Latvia and a Google's representative agreed to evaluate the prospects of Google's expansion in the Baltic states and to support the potential of Latvian entrepreneurs in the field of digital and artificial intelligence.
Recognising the potential for artificial intelligence to raise the quality of life and overall well-being, the President of Latvia noted the need to develop artificial intelligence systems safely and responsibly. "Given the rapid development of AI technologies, close cooperation between the public and private sectors is necessary. We need to work together to create a regulatory framework that, on the one hand, ensures fair and transparent use of AI and, on the other hand, does not stifle innovation," said E. Rinkēvičs. Officials agreed that AI is too important to remain unregulated yet too critical to be undermined by convoluted and excessive regulation.
President Rinkēvičs also highlighted the challenges posed by the increased use of artificial intelligence to influence election campaigns and democratic processes. "With the help of artificial intelligence, it has become possible to generate audio-visual material that is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from reality. The world has already seen instances of the harmful abuse of such modern technology in election campaigns. Therefore, voters have the right to know whether artificial intelligence has been used in the creation of campaign-related content," stressed E. Rinkēvičs.
