UK to Invest in AI Task Force
Zach Anderson Apr 27, 2023 09:49
UK officials announced the allocation of £100 million in funding to support an AI task force to accelerate the country's readiness for AI adoption. The task force will prioritize public services and will aim to ensure safe and reliable foundation models for AI use.
The United Kingdom is making significant investments in the development of its technology sector. UK officials recently announced the formation of an AI task force that will receive an initial funding of £100 million to accelerate the country's readiness for the adoption of artificial intelligence. This task force will prioritize public services and aim to ensure that safe and reliable foundation models for AI use are established.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his belief in the opportunities that AI presents for economic growth, advancements in healthcare, and security. He stated that by investing in emerging technologies through the task force, the UK can continue to lead the way in developing safe and trustworthy AI and shaping a more innovative economy.
The task force is set to focus on ensuring sovereign capabilities, including public services, and fostering broad adoption of safe and reliable foundation models. The UK has committed to becoming a science and technology superpower by 2030, and this task force's work will contribute to achieving this goal. The first pilots of AI usage and integration will target public services and are expected to launch in the next six months.
The UK government has already invested £900 million into computing technology, highlighting its commitment to developing its technology sector. Officials in the UK are simultaneously pushing for "safe AI," which means regulating the technology to keep people safe while promoting innovation.
The country's science, innovation, and technology secretary, Michelle Donelan, expressed her belief that AI can transform every industry if developed responsibly. She said that this development would ensure that the public and businesses have the trust they need to confidently adopt this technology and realize its benefits fully.
This announcement comes shortly after the UK Treasury announced the revival of its Asset Management Taskforce, which will focus on developing crypto regulation. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong will help advise regulators on law and taxation between banks and the fintech industry.
In conclusion, the UK's investment in the AI task force represents a significant step towards establishing the country as a leader in AI technology. By prioritizing public services and establishing safe and reliable foundation models for AI use, the UK is paving the way for innovation while keeping people safe.
Image source: Shutterstock