WASHINGTON, DC — The UK is set to host key figures at a summit on artificial intelligence in the fall as Rishi Sunak seeks to position the UK as a power broker on the issue.
British officials confirmed plans for the conference, first reported by Politico this week, arguing that the UK is “well-positioned” to convene discussions on the future of AI.
They cited the fact that Brexit has enabled the UK to act quickly in response to a rapidly changing market. Ministers want to pave the way between tougher EU regulations and a lighter US approach.
Sunak, who is set to discuss the subject when he meets with President Joe Biden on Thursday, praised AI as having “incredible potential to change our lives,” but said it was “safe and secure.” “We need to make sure that AI is developed and used in a safe way.” safety. “
Downing Street did not specify which countries or companies would be participating in the talks, but a spokesman for the prime minister said Sunak was trying to bring together “like-minded” countries, saying the prime minister had raised the issue to the G7. He noted that he had consulted with all Member States.
The spokesman denied that he was seeking an alliance against China and Russia.
On his way to Washington, Sunak questioned his own ambition to lead AI diplomacy and whether it was realistic. “This medium-sized country happens to be the world leader in AI,” he retorted.
“We also need to make sure we’re protected from the risks that the state poses,” he told Politico on the plane.
He said the government was working to put in place “guardrails,” reflecting the concerns of AI leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Mr. Sunak was recently invited to a conference in Downing Street.
Sunak later suggested that he would be happy if the robot could teach children or take care of his grandmother. When asked about his potential use of AI to carry out the work of teachers and caregivers, he told his ITV, “Modern technology has improved our lives and will continue to do so. It will continue to improve,” he said.
Coinciding with the conclusion of the summit, US tech giant Palantir announced that it will open a new European headquarters for AI development in the UK. Sunak will meet founder Alexander Karp at a baseball game during his visit to Washington.
Some data experts warn against deploying Palantir’s software across the NHS as Palantir disputes £480m contract to build operating system for UK health services are doing.
A prime minister’s spokesperson said: “NHS data will always be highly protected.”
