The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to establish the country as a leader in ethical AI development. The latest policy announcements focus on empowering regulators while advancing critical research.
Today, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published its official response to last year’s AI Regulation White Paper consultation. The White Paper originally outlined the UK’s approach of sector-specific AI governance guided by cross-cutting principles of safety, transparency and accountability.
Central to this strategy is the allocation of over £100 million towards empowering regulators and advancing AI research and innovation. This funding is poised to upskill regulators, enabling them to develop and deploy cutting-edge tools for AI system examination across various sectors, from healthcare to finance. Such initiatives not only promise enhanced regulatory capabilities but also aim to foster an environment where AI can be leveraged for societal and economic gains.
In a bid to foster transparency and boost confidence among businesses and citizens, key UK regulators are tasked with outlining their AI management strategies by the end of April. This entails a comprehensive disclosure of AI-related risks, current expertise, and a year-long regulatory plan. This move is pivotal in setting a clear regulatory trajectory, ensuring that AI's integration into societal fabrics is both responsible and beneficial.
"The UK’s innovative approach to AI regulation has made us a world leader in both AI safety and AI development," said Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
This starts with earmarking £10 million to " prepare and upskill regulators to address the risks and harness the opportunities of this defining technology". As an example, the government says this could include "technical tools for examining AI systems".
While hoping to avoid rushed, ineffective legislation, the government does notably confirm its consideration of future binding requirements for organizations building the most advanced general purpose AI. This unprecedented step would mandate accountability around safety.
Nearly £90 million has also been committed to launching nine specialist AI research hubs and collaborating with the US on responsible models. Further projects backed by the Arts and Humanities Research Council will define ethical AI implementation spanning education, law enforcement and other public services.
A government steering committee is additionally being formed to coordinate regulatory oversight activities related to AI.
"The decisions we take now will determine AI’s potential to grow our economy, revolutionise public services and tackle major societal challenges," said Hugh Milward of Microsoft UK in response to the plan.
Overall, the policy package represents a doubling down on the forward-looking blueprint that made waves upon its initial announcement last spring. While the White Paper’s avoidance of overly prescriptive legislation received some criticism for lacking teeth, supporters counter that it struck the right balance in promoting UK innovation.
This latest pledge of substantial funding and accountability takes that adaptable approach to the next level in practice. It signals that the country intends to proactively lead in AI governance just as it aims to foster cutting edge research.
With other large economies still formulating regulatory philosophies, the UK has staked an early claim on shaping what responsible AI looks like on a global scale. Whether today’s promises materialize into meaningful oversight and safety mechanisms remains to be seen.