AI summit: Rishi Sunak believes policymakers need to talk about the risks associated with AI

Rishi Sunak stated at the UK’s inaugural AI safety summit that world leaders have a “responsibility” to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence.

The prime minister acknowledged that although AI promised “transformative” development, it also carried the risk of societal ills like bias and misinformation.

Along with academics and tech executives, some 28 countries are present at the summit.Delegates reached a consensus on a joint statement on Wednesday, urging international collaboration to address the dangers of AI.

The US, China, and the European Union were among the nations that signed the Bletchley Declaration, which took its name from the Buckinghamshire park where the summit is being held, Bletchley Park.AI “presents enormous global opportunities,” according to the pact, but it should be created in a way that is “human-centric, trustworthy, and responsible.”

It was the first international declaration on artificial intelligence (AI) that potentially surpass the capabilities of current cutting-edge systems, a concept known by the government as “frontier AI.”The summit’s main focus is on maximizing the advantages of AI while minimizing its hazards, which include possible privacy violations and employment displacement.

AI companies, according to Sunak, cannot “mark their own homework.”

How does artificial intelligence operate?

Mr. Sunak welcomed attendees to a private panel discussion on the advancement of artificial intelligence and stated that the technology might benefit societies and economies.

“But like with all new waves of technology, AI introduces new anxieties, new dangers,” he continued. “These range from extreme hazards to social ills like bias and disinformation.

“And as leaders we have a responsibility to address that.”

Mr. Sunak met earlier on Thursday with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations.

The G7 summit, which brings together the seven richest countries in the world, will take place in Italy the following year, and Ms. Meloni said artificial intelligence will be a major topic of discussion. The UK summit will serve as a “base” for this conference.

According to Downing Street, Mr. Sunak also spoke with UN chief Antonio Guterres about the need for international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine.

It follows a meeting with US Vice-President Kamala Harris, who has advocated for a focus on “existential” worries and the “everyday threats” of AI, including discrimination and misinformation.

The US AI Safety Institute was established on Wednesday, as revealed by Ms. Harris. According to the White House, the new organization will collaborate with its UK equivalent.In an effort to guarantee that “America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence,” US President Joe Biden also signed an executive order earlier this week.

A few pundits have expressed concern that the US actions might eclipse the UK summit.

Mr. Sunak, however, praised the US presidential order, referring to it as “a deep and comprehensive demonstration of AI’s potential.”

After returning to Westminster for a “in conversation” event with internet tycoon Elon Musk, the owner of X, the old Twitter, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver a press conference later.

Despite the fact that many experts believe Musk’s predictions about AI’s potential to wipe off mankind are exaggerated, he made his way to the conference on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Sunak told the BBC on Wednesday that kids must not be allowed to “mark their own homework” and that controlling the threats presented by artificial intelligence was too essential to be left to large tech companies.

“Courtesy coup”

Concerns had been raised before to the summit that a few important individuals, such as Mr. Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, had decided not to attend and that their nations had sent substitute officials in their place.

The head of the research tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Tino Cuellar, described the event as a “diplomatic coup” for the British government.

He referred to the gathering of representatives from the US, EU, and poor countries as “a remarkable achievement”.

Despite China being a major contributor in AI technology, some have criticized its participation during a period of hostile relations with the West. However, Mr. Cuellar stated: “China’s attendance is significant as it suggests that this will be a really international discussion.

“We think about the countries that are facing opportunity in terms of their own economic development, as well as countries that bring to the table, serious technological know-how, and it’s hard to imagine how some of those conversations can happen without the full representation of countries around the world.”

Labour has, meanwhile, demanded mandatory regulations for businesses creating advanced AI, along with a need that they notify the government prior to training models that beyond a specific competence barrier.