The UK Government has signed up to an international agreement for the management of AI products to protect the public from potential misuse.
Announcing the development, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the Framework Convention on AI, human rights, democracy and the rule of law will ensure countries monitor development of the technology and ensure it is managed within strict parameters.
It includes provisions to protect the public and their data, human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and commits countries to act against activities which fall outside of these parameters to tackle the misuse of AI models that pose a risk to public services and the wider public.
The Convention was first agreed by the Council of Europe in May and will now go to the UK Parliament for ratification. The MoJ said this will enhance relevant laws such as the Online Safety Act.
Three safeguards
It consists of three main safeguards, one being the protection of human rights, including ensuring people’s data is used appropriately, their privacy is respected and AI does not discriminate against them.
The second is protecting democracy by ensuring countries take steps to prevent public institutions and processes being undermined; and the third protecting the rule of law, by putting the onus on signatory countries to regulate AI-specific risks, protect its citizens from potential harms and ensure it is used safely.
The Government will work with regulators, the devolved administrations and local authorities as the Convention is ratified to ensure it can appropriately implement its new requirements.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle said: “AI holds the potential to be the driving force behind new economic growth, a productivity revolution and true transformation in our public services, but that ambition can only be achieved if people have faith and trust in the innovations which will bring about that change.
“The Convention we’ve signed today alongside global partners will be key to that effort. Once in force, it will further enhance protections for human rights, rule of law and democracy – strengthening our own domestic approach to the technology while furthering the global cause of safe, secure and responsible AI.”
Heightened risks
The move reflects increasing international concerns about the risks associated with AI and efforts by the UK Government to manage these.
Last year the previous Government staged an AI Safety Summit, followed by the launch of the AI Safety Institute and an agreement with other countries to cooperate in safety testing.
In May of this year the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced the provision of £8.5 million to support research into AI safety.
In the King’s Speech, the Government also confirmed plans to introduce targeted legislation focused on the most powerful AI models being developed.
