Funds are being allocated to establish nine new research hubs throughout the UK, alongside a collaboration with the US on responsible AI. Credit: RistoArnaudov/istock Amid growing concerns about the adverse effects of AI, the British government has announced a $125 million (£100 million) investment to support regulators and advance research and innovation in AI. Close to $113 million (£90 million) is being allocated to establish nine new research hubs throughout the UK, alongside a collaboration with the US on responsible AI. These hubs will bolster UK expertise in AI, applying the technology in the fields of healthcare, chemistry, and mathematics. “AI is moving fast, but we have shown that humans can move just as fast,” Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said in a statement. “By taking an agile, sector-specific approach, we have begun to grip the risks immediately, which in turn is paving the way for the UK to become one of the first countries in the world to reap the benefits of AI safely.” The announcement comes as $12.5 million (£10 million) has been earmarked to equip regulators with the necessary training and skills to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this critical technology. Many countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges of regulating AI without hindering growth and development. Some measures already in place The UK government’s statement further noted that some regulators have already initiated measures. For example, the Information Commissioner’s Office has revised its guidance to clarify the application of stringent data protection laws to AI systems that handle personal data, emphasizing the importance of fairness. Additionally, it has maintained its oversight role by enforcing compliance, including the issuance of enforcement notices to organizations. “However, the UK government wants to build on this by further equipping them for the age of AI as use of the technology ramps up,” the statement read. “The UK’s agile regulatory system will simultaneously allow regulators to respond rapidly to emerging risks while giving developers room to innovate and grow in the UK.” To enhance transparency and build trust among British businesses and the public, leading regulators, including Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority, have been instructed to outline their AI management approaches by April 30. The advantage of leveraging existing laws The UK is relying on its existing legal framework to regulate AI in areas that affect a lot of people, such as employment, pointed out Adam Leon Smith, an AI expert from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. However, even with “old-fashioned” AI, the country needs to balance the risks with the opportunities. “It is, therefore, right that the government moves to fund and empower those existing regulators with the tools they need to do their job,” Smith said. “We also need to remember that this future will be shaped by AI professionals. Managing the risk of AI and building public trust will be most effective when the people creating it are professionally registered and accountable to clear standards.” The government’s statement also contained comments from several major tech companies including Microsoft and Google, all of whom welcomed the latest steps taken. Related content feature Cyber resilience: A business imperative CIOs must get right With ransomware at an all-time high, companies need to understand that being cyber resilient means going beyond compliance to considering all aspects of a business, from operational continuity to software supply chain security. By Andrada Fiscutean May 16, 2024 9 mins Regulation Incident Response Data and Information Security feature Shine a Spotlight on Your Team’s IT Excellence with CIO Awards Canada By Allice Shandler May 16, 2024 4 mins Events IT Leadership news Camunda simplifies process automation with new AI-powered natural language features Vendors are adding AI features to process orchestration and automation platforms — but is the technology a revolution or an evolution? By John Dunn May 16, 2024 5 mins Generative AI Business Process Management Process Improvement feature What’s holding CTOs back? Internal politics, organizational culture, and funding issues top the list of issues derailing CTOs’ change agenda — so too does demonstrating the value of innovation. By Esther Shein May 16, 2024 8 mins CTO IT Leadership PODCASTS VIDEOS RESOURCES EVENTS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe