Rishi Sunak has used his trip to America to position the UK as a global leader on keeping artificial intelligence in check. He argued that “this mid-sized country” is not too small to be at the centre of regulating new technology, and will use a meeting with Joe Biden to attempt to bring him on board.
An advisor to the prime minister this week warned that AI, if left unchecked, could “kill many humans.” His message followed that of senior digital leaders, who pointed to the “risk of extinction from AI,” and of panellists at the latest event hosted by The European Conservative, who agreed the digital transition ought to be “put on ice.”
Mr. Sunak will attempt to solidify Britain’s position in the regulation of new technologies at a summit of “like-minded” countries. Ahead of his talk with Mr. Biden, who he hopes will be on board with his plans, the prime minister said:
This mid-size country happens to be a global leader in AI. You would be hard-pressed to find many other countries other than the US in the Western world with more expertise and talent in AI. We are the natural place to lead the conversation.
Historically, the UK has got it right when we are trying to balance innovation with making sure the new technology is safe for society.
I intend to talk about that with President Biden and lots of leaders around the world.
His spokesman denied suggestions this was an attempt to form an alliance against Russia and China, insisting that it is only “about looking at technology that is developing extremely quickly.” The suggestion was, however, that these two nations would not be invited to take part in the upcoming summit.
The prime minister’s positioning on AI has been described as a “recent shift in approach” from a white paper on the technology published by the government in March, which largely looked at its benefits. While focussed now the need for regulation, Mr. Sunak said he would be “comfortable” with robots caring for his grandparents and teaching his children.
