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RIYADH: The media’s primary role is to translate complex ideas into digestible content for the public, said Craig Smith, host of the Eye on AI podcast and a former correspondent.

In a recent conversation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s GAIN podcast, Smith discussed the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and the challenges media faces in accurately covering it amid both excitement and misinformation.

“You can put AI in a robot, but robotics is one field, and AI is another,” Smith explained, stressing the need for more precise portrayals of AI in the media.

As AI discussions have intensified in the past two years, particularly around its potential threats, Smith emphasized that these debates are meant to encourage further research into AI safety and prompt regulation. However, he noted that the popular press often misinterprets the purpose of these discussions, leading to sensational headlines that contribute to widespread fear.

“The purpose of that discussion is to generate more research around the safety of AI and to spur regulation to get the governments looking at what’s happening,” Smith said.

“But the media often misses this goal, resulting in alarmist narratives like AI will ‘kill us all,’ which detracts from the vital work of understanding and regulating this technology.”

While it’s easy to imagine a dystopian future for AI, Smith pointed out the far more nuanced reality. “We’re still working on getting large language models to be truthful and stop spouting nonsense,” he said, illustrating the long and challenging path ahead in developing reliable AI systems.

Reflecting on the rapid pace of change in the field, Smith highlighted the exciting progress in AI research, particularly since the introduction of the transformer algorithm in 2017.

“It was Ilya Sutskever at OpenAI who built a model around the transformer algorithm and scaled it up,” Smith noted, acknowledging the profound impact this algorithm has had on the development of large language models like ChatGPT and Claude.

Smith’s insights underscored the media’s crucial responsibility in accurately covering AI. By bridging the gap between complex technological advancements and public understanding, journalists have the power to foster informed discussions that will ultimately shape the future of AI in society.

RIYADH: ��������Ƶ and Tunisia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote direct investments between the two nations. 

The deal, which was inked by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdel Hafeez in Tunis, focuses on sharing regulations and laws to enhance the investment environment in both countries. 

The agreement, which also aims to improve investment opportunities, was discussed during a meeting attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr. The talks covered several sectors of mutual interest, including industry, transport, and logistics, with a focus on enhancing collaboration and facilitating joint ventures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Tunisian President Kais Saied welcomed Al-Falih, where the Saudi minister conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing the Kingdom’s commitment to Tunisia’s ongoing progress and stability.  

Saied thanked ��������Ƶ for its leadership role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, praising the Kingdom’s efforts in fostering regional unity and development. 

He added that the agreement marked a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries, with the MoU serving as a catalyst for joint development initiatives. 

The deal follows recent discussions on strengthening industrial and economic cooperation.  

In October, Saudi Vice Minister of Industry Affairs Khalil bin Salamah confirmed to Arab News that collaboration with Tunisia was imminent, noting that the two countries were in the process of selecting key sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and automotive components, for initial investments. 

He emphasized the need for common policies among Arab nations to serve as a foundation for regional collaboration across various industrial sectors. 

On the sidelines of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum in Riyadh las month, Tunisian Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub also pointed out that Tunisia’s distinctive mining resources presented significant opportunities for Saudi investors.  

She emphasized the automotive components and pharmaceutical industries as key areas for potential collaboration, while also expressing concern that the current level of investment from ��������Ƶ did not fully reflect the bilateral relationship’s potential. 

The MoU is seen as a crucial step in deepening the economic and industrial ties between ��������Ƶ and Tunisia, both of which are looking to diversify their economies and create new growth opportunities through strategic partnerships.