Tech expert to ensure UK benefits from AI, ORG calls rights protections

26/07/2024 | UK Government

Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, has unveiled a strategic initiative to integrate AI into the government's agenda, aiming to drive positive change, sustained economic growth, and enhanced public services. Kyle has appointed Matt Clifford, a prominent tech entrepreneur and Chair of Advanced Research And Invention Agency (ARIA), to lead this effort. Clifford is tasked with developing an AI Opportunities Action Plan to expedite the integration of AI in improving services and creating innovative products. The plan will focus on strengthening the UK's AI sector's global competitiveness and outline strategies for widespread adoption across diverse economic sectors. With an objective to bolster productivity and stimulate economic growth, the plan has the potential to add up to 1.5% in annual productivity gains in the UK, according to estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Clifford is set to deliver his recommendations to the Science Secretary in September, while the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) will establish an AI Opportunities Unit to leverage expertise and drive the plan's implementation.

Meanwhile, an article from the Open Rights Group (ORG) highlights that, in the King's Speech, the Labour government pledged to implement strict regulations on the developers of the most powerful artificial intelligence (AI) models to ensure the safe development of AI technology. The commitment is a welcome change from the previous administration's pro-innovation approach to AI regulation. ORG points out that the government is still committed to economic growth, which means concerns remain about potential negative impacts, such as job losses and increased inequality in the absence of adequate AI regulations. 

ORG also highlights differing perspectives within the government and concerns over the potential risks of using AI in public service delivery. Today, ORG, along with 16 other rights organisationshave written an open letter to the Home Secretary calling for a ban on predictive policing and biometric AI systems, as well as transparency, accountability, accessibility, and redress for all other uses. 

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