UK should be more positive about AI to avoid missing out on tech ‘goldrush’

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK’s approach to artificial intelligence has become too narrowly focused on AI safety and the threats the technology could pose, rather than its benefits, meaning it could “miss out on the AI goldrush”, a House of Lords Committee has warned. Both the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan have said that in order for the UK to reap the benefits of AI, governments and tech firms must first “grip the risks”. It is only by addressing the risks of today and tomorrow that we can harness its incredible opportunities and attract even more of the jobs and investment that will come from this new wave of technology Department for Science, Innovation and Technology “These issues will be of huge significance over the coming years and we expect the Government to act on the concerns we have raised and take the steps necessary to make the most of the opportunities in front of us.” Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said AI will not be a “mass destroyer of jobs” and “there is great potential with it”. And I think, you get a better result by people with machines than with machines on their own.” In response to the report, a spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “We do not accept this – the UK is a clear leader in AI research and development, and as a Government we are already backing AI’s boundless potential to improve lives, pouring millions of pounds into rolling out solutions that will transform healthcare, education and business growth, including through our newly announced AI Opportunity Forum.