Rishi Sunak is scheduled to fly to Washington this week to meet with US President Joe Biden, who is seeking to demonstrate Britain’s “leadership” in the debate over the development and regulation of artificial intelligence.
Sunak will discuss the controversial “Cern for AI” modeled after the International Particle Physics Project, which conducts international research in a tightly controlled ethical and physical environment.
He will also pitch with Biden the idea of a global AI regulator, possibly based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Last week, Mr Sunak said he believed the UK could “play a leadership role” in AI, and Downing Street officials said the UK could become a host country for new international regulators. suggested.
The No. 10 official said that while Mr. Sunak does not endorse any particular model at this stage, the two-day trip to Washington would be a great opportunity to come up with ideas.
One of Sunak’s allies said the first step would be to “agree a joint approach and ensure international alignment” with the United States and other allies. We can move on,” he added.
They confirmed that both Cern and the IAEA are examples that could be considered, both being discussed by the AI industry and their leaders calling for increased regulation.
Sajid Javid, a former prime minister and former adviser to US artificial intelligence firm C3 AI, told the FT he believes both models are complementary and should be considered.
Javid said Cologne, on the French-Swiss border, provides a “highly controlled environment” for international particle physics research being done for the benefit of the planet.
Meanwhile, the Vienna-based IAEA was the international regulatory and oversight body responsible for the peaceful development of nuclear energy. “It’s not this or that,” said Javid. “In practice, they can be very complementary. We need ethical research with the support of regulators and Western governments.”
Javid believes that as a middle ground between the strong US and EU trading blocs and good economic ties with China, there is ample opportunity for the UK to play a leadership role in AI after Brexit. said there is.
“The prime minister is keenly aware of the need for international coordination on approaches to AI to ensure that risks are managed while benefiting from opportunities as technology evolves,” a UK official said.
“The UK is well positioned to play a leading role in this area and the first step is to engage with our allies around the world in this effort.”
During his time in Washington, Mr. Sunak will meet with other political and business leaders and will also attend a baseball game at Washington Nationals Stadium.
