The United Kingdom will host the first major global summit on artificial intelligence safety, as the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of AI.
We’ve already seen breakthroughs from adopting AI such as enabling paralysed individuals to walk again. However, some industry professionals and world leaders (including the so-called godfathers of AI) are concerned that the development of AI systems is moving too fast and that regulations should be put in place.
Lately, a group of leading experts have also expressed concern that AI’s threat to humanity is similar to pandemics or nuclear weapons. The UK is now set to take action to ensure the nascent technology is developed and adopted safely and responsibly.
Mitigating AI risks
The global summit on AI will be held in the UK this autumn where members will, “Consider the risks of AI, including frontier systems, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. It will also provide a platform for countries to work together on further developing a shared approach to mitigate these risks.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure. Time and time again throughout history we have invented paradigm-shifting new technologies and we have harnessed them for the good of humanity. That is what we must do again.
“No one country can do this alone. This is going to take a global effort. But with our vast expertise and commitment to an open, democratic international system, the UK will stand together with our allies to lead the way,” said Sunak.
As a world leader in AI, ranking third behind the US and China, the UK is well-placed to convene discussions on the future of AI and the country’s AI sector is already contributing a hefty £3.7 billion to the UK’s economy with about 50,000 employees.
Prime Minister Sunak has also met with President Biden in the White House to discuss the continued relationship between the US and the UK, especially how they can collectively strengthen their economies and prepare for technologies of the future.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
