WIC Secretary-General Ren Xianliang attends 14th Internet Security and AI Conference

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference (WIC), attended and addressed the 14th Internet Security and AI Conference on June 24.

With the theme of AI Agents Reshaping Security, this year's conference closely follows the prevailing trends in AI agent development. He noted that AI agents are moving from laboratories to large-scale commercial deployment, while security risks such as malicious manipulation, unauthorized operations and supply chain compromise are rising sharply. 

He cautioned that supporting standards and regulatory mechanisms have yet to fully keep pace, underscoring the pressing need for coordinated governance across all sectors of society.

Ren outlined three proposals:

First, the security landscape surrounding AI agents is unprecedented. Their capabilities for autonomous execution and cross-system interaction are prone to exploitation. Once compromised, they can be extremely concealed, potentially triggering systemic risks.

Second, AI agents represent a pivotal force for technology for good. Development efforts should be guided by the values of inclusiveness and shared benefits, so as to prevent the exacerbation of bias and privacy infringements.

Third, AI agents will reshape the global digital governance landscape, driving a shift away from major-power rivalry towards greater inclusivity, shared benefits, and multilateral coordination. The WIC stands ready to serve as a platform for fostering a governance framework featuring broad participation, openness and inclusivity, he said.

Ren also introduced the WIC's efforts in the field of AI. He noted that the WIC has established the Specialized Committee on AI, issued a series of research reports, and organized multiple themed forums. Moving forwards, the WIC will place greater emphasis on AI governance and AI agent security by convening dedicated forums and international symposiums and providing international public goods.

He stressed that transforming the uncertainties posed by AI agents into certainties for a shared development is not only a technological imperative, but also a governance challenge.

The conference was hosted by the Internet Society of China, the 360 Security Center and other organizations. Focusing on three major sectors — AI applications, AI security and AI talent development — the event featured a future summit, immersive exhibitions, innovation competitions and a range of industry forums.