In a move to address the increasing urgency of AI safety, the UK and US have inked a groundbreaking agreement. This first-of-its-kind bilateral partnership aims to develop robust testing and evaluation methods for AI models and their underlying systems.
Collaboration for a Shared Challenge
The agreement builds on the commitments made during the AI Safety Summit held in November 2023. UK Technology Minister Michelle Donelan emphasised the defining nature of AI: "Ensuring its safe development is a global challenge that demands international collaboration to reap the technology's benefits while mitigating risks."
Regulatory Landscape Evolves
While the AI sector remains in a period of rapid innovation, regulators are taking steps to address potential dangers. The EU's AI Act is moving toward implementation, mandating greater transparency from AI developers on risks and training data. In both the UK and US, however, the industry largely relies on self-regulation.
Expert Opinions
Concerns about both "narrow" and future "general" AI have been raised. While Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt acknowledges the potential for weaponisation like other powerful technologies, he emphasises the importance of understanding AI's power and vulnerabilities.
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo views the agreement as a way for governments to gain a deeper understanding of AI systems: "This will accelerate efforts to address concerns across the full spectrum, from national security to broader societal impacts, providing better guidance for responsible AI development."
