UK sets priorities for global AI safety summit

The upcoming UK’s AI safety summit, set to take place from November 1-2, seeks to unite various important participants, including technology industry leaders, academics, and political figures. Its primary goal is to establish a framework of guidelines and regulations concerning the ethical and responsible deployment of AI. The UK government has outlined a set of objectives for this summit, which encompass:

• Agreeing on a shared understanding of risks associated with AI;
• Exploring ways to establish national and international laws that regulate the use of AI;
• Focusing on risks created or significantly exacerbated by the most powerful AI systems;
• Accelerating investment in AI to improve productivity;
• Showcasing how ensuring the safe development of AI will enable AI to be used for good globally.

The UK government is contemplating the involvement of China in its AI summit, with the goal of achieving widespread participation. However, there are concerns about potential opposition from allies and conservative lawmakers. Involving China in policy discussions reflects the UK’s diplomatic approach and focus on global AI cooperation. The final decision on China’s participation is still pending. Read more.

Why does it matter?

The UK’s AI Safety Summit, scheduled to take place in Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, is expected to build consensus on international measures to tackle AI risks. The UK government has also previously underlined that the summit’s objectives are closely aligned with ongoing efforts at international forums such as the OECD, Global Partnership on AI, Council of Europe, the UN, and the G7 Hiroshima AI Process.