US and UK announce formal partnership on AI safety

US and UK announce formal partnership on AI safety

The United States and the United Kingdom announced a new partnership on science related to the safety of artificial intelligence on Monday, in a context of growing concern about upcoming next-generation versions.

Trade Secretary Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington to work together on the development of advanced tests of artificial intelligence models.

This agreement follows commitments announced at an AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park in November.

“We all know that artificial intelligence is the technology that will define our generation,” Raimondo said. “This partnership will accelerate the work of our two institutes across the spectrum to address risks tied to our national security concerns and the concerns of our broader society.”

As part of the formal partnership, the United Kingdom and the United States plan to carry out at least one joint testing exercise in a public access model and are studying the possibility of exploring personnel exchanges between the institutes.

Both are working to develop similar partnerships with other countries to promote the safety of artificial intelligence. “This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world,” Donelan said. “Artificial intelligence is already an extraordinary force for good in our society, and has enormous potential to address some of the world's greatest challenges.“But only if we are able to control those risks.”

Both countries plan to share key information on the capabilities and risks associated with artificial intelligence models and systems, as well as on technical research in the field of security and protection of artificial intelligence.