"there is even the risk humanity could lose control of AI"
Rishi Sunak has issued a warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence, stating that it will pose major security risks to the UK within two years.
His speech on AI’s dangers come as he announced that the government was establishing the “world’s first” artificial intelligence safety institute.
The Prime Minister said: “I can announce that we will establish the world’s first AI safety institute right here in the UK.
“It will advance the world’s knowledge of AI safety and it will carefully examine, evaluate and test new types of AI so we understand what each new model is capable of, exploring all the risks from social harms like bias and misinformation, through to the most extreme risks of all.
“The British people should have peace of mind that we’re developing the most advanced protections for AI of any country in the world, doing what is right and what is necessary to keep you safe.”
AI has the potential to “enhance” terrorist capabilities – including propaganda, bioweapons and attack planning.
He also warned that by 2025, AI is expected to increase the frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks, scams, fraud and other crimes.
Mr Sunak said the changes brought by AI could be as “far-reaching” as the industrial revolution or the arrival of electricity and the internet.
The PM said he agreed with experts who believe the extinction threat from AI should be treated like the threat of pandemics and nuclear war, as he called for a global expert panel to address the issue.
During the press conference, Mr Sunak said AI would bring “the chance to solve problems we once thought beyond us – but it also brings new dangers and new fears”.
Quoting a statement made by hundreds of AI experts earlier in 2023, Mr Sunak said:
“Mitigating the risk of extinction by AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.”
On the major risks, Mr Sunak elaborated:
“Get this wrong and AI could make it easier to build chemical or biological weapons.
“Terrorist groups could use AI to spread fear and destruction on an even greater scale.
“Criminals could exploit AI for cyber attacks, fraud or even child sexual abuse… there is even the risk humanity could lose control of AI completely through the kind of AI sometimes referred to as super-intelligence.”
But Rishi Sunak said he did not want to be “alarmist” and highlighted AI’s benefits.
He praised its potential use in the NHS to diagnose and prevent strokes and heart attacks, as he announced an extra £100 million for AI treatments for previously incurable diseases.
Stating that the government will not “rush to regulate” AI, Rishi Sunak continued:
“And only nation states have the power and legitimacy to keep their people safe.
“The UK’s answer is not to rush to regulate. This is a point of principle.
“We believe in innovation. It’s a hallmark of the British economy, so we will always have a presumption to encourage it, not to stifle it.
“And in any case, how can we write laws that make sense for something that we don’t yet fully understand?”
On the AI safety institute, Mr Sunak added:
“We will make the work of our AI safety institute available to the world.”
“That’s the right thing to do morally in keeping with the UK’s historic role on the international stage, but it’s also the right thing economically, for families and businesses up and down the country.”
He said this would help to attract jobs and investment that will come from the new wave of technology, boosting growth.
Mr Sunak’s warnings come ahead of a global summit at Bletchley Park that he has convened to examine the risks of technology.
The PM also confirmed he had invited China to the summit, arguing it was “the right thing to do” because the world’s leading AI powers should discuss threats and opportunities.
He admitted it was “not an easy decision” to invite Chinese officials, adding he is not 100% certain they will turn up.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said China had accepted an invitation.
The decision to invite Beijing has caused controversy in some quarters, including among Tory MPs, at a time when relations remain tense.
Watch Rishi Sunak’s Speech in Full:
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