Tech experts support UN calls for global AI watchdog
Tech experts have voiced their share in concerns over the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) this week, following world leaders’ calls for a global regulator.
Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), declared on Monday that he “would be favourable to the idea that we could have an artificial intelligence agency”, suggesting it could be similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In response, tech industry experts have chimed in with assenting opinions.
Managing director of marketing agency Bordeaux & Burgundy, Joanna Reynolds, said many companies are already benefitting from the rapid rise of AI and its advantages, “yet few safeguards are in place”.
“When it comes to regulating new technology”, she added, “it’s critical to get the balance right between protecting users without slowing innovation, so a global watchdog to raise standards could be a good way to keep AI in check”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also given his support to the idea. At London Tech Week yesterday, Sunak cautioned that the adoption of AI must be done “safely” and he dedicated £100m to an “expert taskforce” as part of a mission for Britain to become the centre of AI regulation.
Sjuul van der Leeuw, CEO of Deployteq, a marketing automation platform, said: “the idea of raising global standards through a global watchdog could help build confidence in the future of the industry”.
“Ensuring companies and individuals follow best practice will allow a level of accountability and governance so that these powerful tools are deployed correctly and kept in check,” van Der Leeuw added.
Britain is due to host the first global AI summit this autumn to address the most significant risks of AI.