The British government has announced a £100 million ($124.8 million) funding package to support the development of “safe AI”.
The task force is expected to accelerate the country’s AI readiness and ensure “sovereign capabilities”, as well as foster broad adoption of “safe and reliable foundation models.” The first pilots of AI usage and integration will target public services and are expected to launch within the next six months.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said AI provides many opportunities for economic growth and advancements in healthcare and security, and investing in emerging technologies will continue to shape a more innovative UK economy.
This commitment follows the UK’s investment of £900 ($1.1 billion) into computing technology and its commitment to becoming a science and technology superpower by 2030.
Officials in the UK are simultaneously pushing for “safe AI,” which means regulating the technology to “keep people safe” without limiting innovation.
Michelle Donelan, the country’s science, innovation, and technology secretary, said that if “developed responsibly,” AI can transform every industry. “This will ensure that the public and business have the trust they need to confidently adopt this technology and fully realize its benefits,” she added.
The development comes after the UK Treasury decided to revive its Asset Management Taskforce with a renewed focus on developing crypto regulation. The news included that Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong would help advise regulators on law and taxation between banks and the fintech industry.
The pledge of £100 million for the task force is part of a larger £350 million ($436 million) National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in AI.
The strategy includes a number of initiatives such as establishing AI fellowships and doctoral training centres, as well as increasing diversity in AI through programmes like the Turing Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Fellowship.
The UK government’s focus on AI has been praised by industry leaders. However, some have raised concerns over the lack of investment in developing a workforce with the necessary AI skills. The UK has a growing demand for AI talent, and industry experts have warned that the country risks falling behind in the global race for AI dominance if it doesn’t address the skills gap.
UK AI Taskforce
In conclusion, the UK government’s pledge to invest in a task force to develop “safe AI” highlights the country’s commitment to becoming a science and technology superpower by 2030.
While the move has been praised by industry leaders, concerns over the lack of investment in developing an AI-skilled workforce have been raised. Nonetheless, with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and other initiatives in place, the UK is taking steps to strengthen its position as a global leader in AI.