On Wednesday, former US Vise President Kamala Harris said that the window for limiting artificial intelligence’s most serious hazards was closing and asked governments and tech firms to immediately implement protections.
“They must be at the table if we are to have any guardrails and safeguards,” Harris stated of AI engineers while speaking at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Kamala Harris urged governments and technology companies to introduce urgent AI safeguards. |
| Where | Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Seoul, South Korea. |
| When | October 14, 2026. |
| Who is involved | Kamala Harris, the United States, China, South Korea, governments and technology companies. |
| Current status | Harris has called for immediate action on AI safety and international cooperation. |
| Why it matters | AI safeguards could help address cybersecurity threats, AI enabled weapons and risks from systems operating beyond human control. |
According to Tarris, governments and businesses need to take immediate action against the three existential risks posed by AI: cybersecurity risks, weapons enabled by AI, and systems that are beyond human control.
“There is room for cooperation where our interests are aligned,” Harris stated, urging “healthy and robust competition, but not conflict.” She also urged the United States to engage China on international rules and standards for AI, arguing that their larger strategic rivalry should not prevent cooperation on shared risks.
Before cautioning against a transactional strategy that would cost the US global power, Harris criticized US President Donald Trump’s “erratic tariffs” for being harsh.
Harris Urges US Korea Ties, Eyes Midterm Wins
Harris called South Korea’s investment in US renewable energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and shipbuilding “immensely significant and valued.”
She also urged the United States to reaffirm its commitment to South Korea, stating that the allies needed to bolster deterrence due to the growing cooperation between North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran.
In preparation for the 2026 US midterm elections, the former vise president has been supporting Democratic candidates while considering a second run for the White House.
