Harris Urges Swift AI Safeguards, Warns Window to Contain Risks Is Closing

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris urged governments and technology companies on October 14 to move quickly in setting up safety measures for artificial intelligence, warning that the window to contain the most severe risks of AI is closing.

Speaking at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea, Harris said AI developers must be involved in establishing guardrails and safety mechanisms. She expressed concern that the time window for action is narrowing and called for immediate steps by both governments and enterprises.

Harris identified three existential threats posed by AI: cybersecurity threats, AI-enabled weapons, and systems operating beyond human control. She also called for U.S.-China cooperation on international rules and standards for AI, arguing that broader strategic competition should not prevent the two countries from jointly addressing common risks.

“There is room for cooperation where interests align,” Harris said, advocating for “healthy and robust competition, not conflict.” She also criticized President Trump's tariff policy as erratic, warning that a transactional approach to diplomacy could erode U.S. global influence. When asked about a potential 2028 presidential run, she said she is still considering it and has not made a decision.