The UK government has taken a significant step towards advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by appointing distinguished figures from the realms of security and computer science to its Frontier AI Taskforce.
In an official press release published on September 7, 2023, the government emphasized the pivotal role of these experts in shaping the nation’s AI landscape. It noted that these experts would leverage their domain knowledge to develop innovative approaches to mitigate AI risks and harness its advantages for the benefit of the country.
This AI taskforce was initially introduced as the Foundation Model Taskforce by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April 2023. A total of £100 million in funding was allocated to taskforce to spearhead the safe and reliable development of frontier AI Models.
According to the government, “Frontier AI models hold enormous potential to power economic growth, drive scientific progress and wider public benefits, while also posing potential safety risks if not developed responsibly.”
However, the taskforce’s mandate extends beyond risk management for AI technologies. It is saddled with the responsibility of identifying new applications for AI within the public sector and bolstering the UK’s capabilities in deploying these technologies.
In the press release, the government announced the appointment of notable figures to key roles within the taskforce. Turing Prize Laureate Yoshua Bengio and GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler have been enlisted to join the newly formed External Advisory Board. Meanwhile, Oxford academic Yarin Gal has been designated as the first Taskforce Research Director, and Cambridge academic David Kreuger will provide consultative guidance as the task force refines its research agenda.
These appointees will work collaboratively to assemble a team of technical professionals from the AI sector who will carry out the taskforce’s multifaceted objectives. The government has also extended an invitation to interested industry experts to apply for positions within this team.
Michelle Donelan, Secretary of Science, Innovation, and Technology, expressed optimism about the appointments, stating:
“These new appointments are a huge vote of confidence in our status as a flagbearer for AI safety as we take advantage of the enormous wealth of knowledge we have both at home and abroad.”
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