VIDEO: Putin says he has ‘never been afraid of anything’

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has “never been afraid of anything” during an exchange with young scientists about the possible risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI), while visiting the Russian city of Novosibirsk on Tuesday.

The remark came as Putin met students, postgraduate researchers and young scientists at the Specialized Educational Scientific Centre of Novosibirsk State University. The Kremlin said the Russian leader toured the facility, including its gym and library, and was briefed on the university’s new campus during his trip to the Novosibirsk region.

During the conversation, Putin asked an AI specialist what dangers could emerge as the technology becomes increasingly advanced and widespread. The young scientist, identified by local media as Maksim Yemelyanov, responded lightheartedly that Putin personally had “nothing to fear.”

Putin smiled before replying: “And I have never been afraid of anything.”

The exchange then shifted to a more serious discussion about the effect artificial intelligence could have on people’s ability to think independently. Putin raised concerns that widespread automation could eventually contribute to a divide between a relatively small intellectual elite and a larger section of society increasingly dependent on technology to perform everyday tasks.

Yemelyanov said education would have an important role in preventing excessive dependence on AI. While tasks that can reasonably be automated may be handed over to machines, he argued that students should continue developing their own ability to think, reason and solve problems.

Putin agreed, saying those habits should be encouraged from an early age. He said schools face the difficult task of teaching children not only how to use new technologies, but also how to think independently and remain interested in doing so.

The comments come as Russia places growing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a strategically important technology. Putin has previously argued that AI will play a major role in economic development, technological competition and countries’ ability to maintain their position on the global stage.