UK commits over $125 million to address AI challenges

Amid growing concerns about the adverse effects of AI, the British government has announced a $125 million (£100 million) investment to support regulators and advance research and innovation in AI.

Close to $113 million (£90 million) is being allocated to establish nine new research hubs throughout the UK, alongside a collaboration with the US on responsible AI. These hubs will bolster UK expertise in AI, applying the technology in the fields of healthcare, chemistry, and mathematics.

“AI is moving fast, but we have shown that humans can move just as fast,” Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said in a statement. “By taking an agile, sector-specific approach, we have begun to grip the risks immediately, which in turn is paving the way for the UK to become one of the first countries in the world to reap the benefits of AI safely.”

The announcement comes as $12.5 million (£10 million) has been earmarked to equip regulators with the necessary training and skills to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this critical technology. Many countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges of regulating AI without hindering growth and development.

Some measures already in place

The UK government’s statement further noted that some regulators have already initiated measures. For example, the Information Commissioner’s Office has revised its guidance to clarify the application of stringent data protection laws to AI systems that handle personal data, emphasizing the importance of fairness. Additionally, it has maintained its oversight role by enforcing compliance, including the issuance of enforcement notices to organizations.

“However, the UK government wants to build on this by further equipping them for the age of AI as use of the technology ramps up,” the statement read. “The UK’s agile regulatory system will simultaneously allow regulators to respond rapidly to emerging risks while giving developers room to innovate and grow in the UK.”