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UK Gov's AI Pact: No Trials Yet?
21 Mar
Summary
- Government signed an AI deal with OpenAI eight months ago.
- A freedom of information request revealed no AI trials have occurred.
- Critics question the government's commitment to AI's potential.
Eight months after signing a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI, the UK government has not initiated any trials of the company's artificial intelligence technology. This agreement was initially presented as a means to harness AI for public service reform. However, a freedom of information request submitted to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) confirmed that no trials have been conducted under this pact.
DSIT pointed to the Ministry of Justice's use of ChatGPT, with an option for UK-based data storage, as an example of progress. They also cited ongoing work with the UK AI Safety Institute and collaborations with Nvidia and Nscale to enhance AI capabilities. However, critics, like Tarek Nseir, CEO of Valliance, argue that these efforts do not reflect the ambition of the original memorandum, suggesting a significant gap between intent and execution.
Concerns have been raised about the government's approach to AI, with public polling indicating widespread worry that the sector's interests may be prioritized over public protection. Experts emphasize the need for transparent experimentation and clear measures of progress and public benefit, while also warning against potential 'lock-in' to specific AI providers. Similar agreements have been made with other AI firms like Anthropic and Google DeepMind.
