UK and US Unite for the Development of AI Safety Tests: A Signed Pact
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The UK and US have signed a landmark agreement to collaborate on the development of rigorous testing for advanced AI systems. This represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safe deployment of these technologies.
The Memorandum of Understanding – signed on Monday by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo – establishes a partnership to align the scientific approaches of both countries towards the rapid iteration of robust evaluation methods for advanced AI models, systems, and agents.
Under this agreement, the newly-formed UK AI Safety Institute and the upcoming US organisation will exchange research expertise. The objective is to mitigate AI-related risks, including those associated with the independent evaluation of private AI models from companies such as OpenAI. This collaboration is modeled on the existing security cooperation between GCHQ and the National Security Agency.
“This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation,” stated Donelan. “Only by working together can we address the technology’s risks head on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives.”
The partnership follows through on commitments made at the AI Safety Summit hosted in the UK last November. The institutes plan to build a common approach to AI safety testing and share capabilities to tackle risks effectively. They intend to conduct at least one joint public testing exercise on an openly accessible AI model and explore personnel exchanges.
Raimondo emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating: “AI is the defining technology of our generation. This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes’ work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society.”
Both governments recognise AI’s rapid development and the urgent need for a shared global approach to safety that can keep pace with emerging risks. The partnership takes effect immediately, allowing seamless cooperation between the organisations.
“By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the US and UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re keeping AI safe both now and in the future,” added Raimondo.
Besides conducting joint tests and sharing capabilities, the two nations will also share crucial details about the capabilities of AI models, potential risks, and fundamental technical research. This is aimed at providing a universal scientific foundation for AI safety tests that researchers around the globe can use.
Although there is a concentration on risk, Donelan stated that there are no immediate plans in the UK to regulate AI more comprehensively. On the other hand, President Joe Biden has assumed a stricter stance on AI models that pose a threat to national security, and tougher regulations have been adopted by the EU AI Act.
Industry experts have lauded this collaboration, deeming it crucial for building trust and ensuring safety in the creation and adoption of AI across sectors such as marketing, finance, and customer service.
“Ensuring AI’s development and use are governed by trust and safety is paramount,” said Ramprakash Ramamoorthy of Zoho. “Taking safeguards to protect training data mitigates risks and bolsters confidence among those deploying AI solutions.”
Dr Henry Balani of Encompass added: “Mitigating the risks of AI, through this collaboration agreement with the US, is a key step towards mitigating risks of financial crime, fostering collaboration, and supporting innovation in a crucial, advancing area of technology.”
(Photo by Art Lasovsky)
See also: IPPR: 8M UK careers at risk of ‘job apocalypse’ from AI
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