UK's AI minister warns against leaving AI to tech leaders

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:58 · Archive

Britain's AI minister says the country must not let artificial intelligence be controlled by tech entrepreneurs and oligarchs.

Britain's AI minister Kanishka Narayan has warned that the country cannot allow artificial intelligence to be ruled by 'tech bros and oligarchs', saying the public and democracy must assert power over the technology. He told the BBC's Political Thinking podcast that dealing with AI requires not only regulation but also 'building capability and capacity in the state'.

Narayan compared the scale of technological change to the Industrial Revolution, but said Britain needed to manage the transition better than it did historically. He warned that the country was 'currently totally reliant on other countries for essential bits of technology'. The government has established a £500m Sovereign AI Fund to develop domestic capabilities, though industry figures have questioned whether this is sufficient to compete with major US technology companies.

Narayan hinted at new measures in next week's Budget and said discussions with Defence Secretary John Healey could lead to an AI announcement. Ministers are also considering mandatory reporting of serious incidents involving autonomous AI systems and stronger powers to test advanced models before release, according to City AM. Britain has largely relied on existing regulators to oversee AI, unlike the European Union, which has introduced dedicated legislation.

How it is being reported

• AI minister hints at Budget measures as UK weighs tougher tech rulesAI minister Kanishka Narayan has hinted at new measures in next week’s Budget, as the government considers tougher regulation of AI alongside plans to reduce Britain’s dependence on foreign technology. Narayan said ministers must go beyond regulating AI and develop domestic technology to give Britain greater influence over how it is used. Speaking on BBC’s [...]City AM · 23 Oct, 13:46
• Don't leave AI to tech bros and oligarchs, UK's AI minister saysKanishka Narayan tells the BBC that dealing with the technology requires not only regulation, but "building capability and capacity".BBC News · 23 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Kanishka Narayan · BBC · Barclays · Britain · John Healey · European Union

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