British PM warns against rushed AI regulation
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advocated a careful approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in a speech at the Royal Society ahead of next week’s AI Safety Summit.
“I think we shouldn’t be in a rush to regulate for a couple of reasons,” Sunak said.
Sunak argued the UK’s history of balanced regulation enabled innovation in technology and other sectors. “We need to not lose that as we think about AI and that’s why I think our approach is absolutely the right one for the country,” he stated.
While acknowledging potential dangers like cyberattacks, unemployment, and existential threats, Sunak called for global cooperation on AI safety equal to priorities like nuclear weapons and pandemics. He announced plans for a new AI Safety Institute to build on existing work.
Sunak said transparency was key to managing risks that may emerge as AI advances.
“As we understand what the risks are – if they manifest themselves – then we’ll be in a far better place to figure out what is the appropriate action to take at that moment,” he noted.
Sunak aims to position the UK as a leader in ethical AI development while avoiding rushed regulation that could stifle innovation.
