Putin creates his own AI
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined his vision for developing an independent Russian AI at a conference in Moscow. His goal? To break free from what he sees as a Western monopoly on artificial intelligence technologies.?
“The monopolistic dominance of such foreign technologies in Russia is unacceptable, dangerous, and inadmissible,” Putin stated. He argued that AI systems trained on Western data inherently reflect Western ethics, norms, and behaviors—values that Russia rejects. In essence, Putin expressed concerns that AI developed in the West could marginalize Russian culture and language.?
Research supports this perspective. Barnes Aaro, a scholar in the field, has studied culturally dependent AI responses and concluded that cultural identity serves as a critical framework for understanding how individuals conceptualize and use AI in decision-making. There’s no doubt that AI intersects deeply with culture, influencing how societies perceive themselves and others (Megasis).?
Beyond cultural considerations, Putin is also focused on controlling AI’s rapid integration into daily life. His government is racing to draft laws defining rights, regulations, and responsibilities for managing AI within Russia’s governmental and societal frameworks.?
Putin’s stance underscores a global tension: as AI continues to advance, it doesn’t just shape economies and technologies—it also challenges cultural sovereignty and governance.?
?