Will Biden's Bold Move on AI Safety Challenge the UK's Ambitions?

Lion Herald Newsletter | Issue #8 - Monday October 30, 2023 | Lincoln, UK

October 30, 2023

Dear Lion Herald Reader,

In a executive order published this Monday, President Biden has set the stage for the United States to assume a leadership role in the global debate on AI safety. This executive order, hailed as "the most significant actions ever taken by any government to advance the field of AI safety," requires AI developers to share safety results with the US government. It is an audacious step, one that places the US squarely at the forefront of the burgeoning field of AI governance.

But this assertive move from the White House threatens to overshadow the UK government's aspirations to steer the conversation on AI. As the UK hosts a two-day AI summit commencing on November 1st at the historic Bletchley Park, the question arises: Can the UK assert its influence when the US has thrown down the gauntlet?

Gary Marcus, a tech entrepreneur and AI expert, gives a nod to the sheer ambition of Biden's executive order. "The executive order is broad, focusing on both current and long-term risks, with some - though probably not enough - teeth," he told BBC. It's this comprehensive approach that overshadows the UK's more targeted efforts, which primarily concentrate on long-term risks.

Alex Krasodomski, a senior research associate at Chatham House, notes the stark contrast between the US executive order and the UK summit's objectives. "The UK summit is referenced in the executive order, but it's mentioned under the heading of 'advancing American leadership abroad.' This clearly signals that the US sees itself as the dominant player, particularly through its pioneering companies," he says.

The executive order sets a high bar, aiming to establish new safety and security standards for AI. It compels AI companies to share safety test results with the federal government. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to safeguard consumer privacy by creating guidelines for evaluating privacy techniques used in AI, addressing AI's potential for discrimination, and promoting the responsible use of AI in the justice system.

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Moreover, the order is not limited to domestic action; it seeks to collaborate with international partners in implementing AI standards globally. These measures, in the eyes of the White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, represent "the strongest set of actions any government in the world has ever taken on AI safety, security, and trust."

The United States, recognizing the burgeoning importance of AI, is also actively working to bolster its AI workforce. Starting immediately, workers with AI expertise can explore federal government AI job opportunities through AI.gov.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the AI Summit—hailed as a "world first" and hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak—focuses on the mounting concerns regarding frontier AI. The summit brings together US Vice President Kamala Harris, top executives from American tech giants, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UK is resolute in positioning itself as a global leader in mitigating the risks posed by this powerful technology.

However, the US executive order is just one facet of a broader global landscape. The Group of Seven (G7) industrial countries is reportedly in agreement on a code of conduct for companies working on advanced AI systems. This raises the question: In a world where many powerful nations are making substantial AI moves, how much room remains for discussion at Bletchley Park this week?

As the UK seeks to make its mark on the AI governance arena, the formidable presence of the United States and its ambitious executive order loom large, potentially reshaping the course of AI safety on the global stage. The UK's challenge is clear: Can it carve out its own path and exert meaningful influence in a rapidly evolving AI landscape?

The race for leadership in AI governance is not just about technological dominance but about influencing international norms, fostering collaboration, and safeguarding global interests. The US and the UK are actively shaping the landscape of AI safety, and their roles in this competition will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of artificial intelligence.

Thanks for reading,

Fabrice Iranzi, Lion Herald

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The UK government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has unveiled a groundbreaking £100 million AI Life Sciences Fund aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in healthcare. This ambitious initiative leverages the UK's strengths in securing health data and pioneering AI to tackle previously incurable diseases. The fund comprises eight critical healthcare missions, spanning cancer treatment to dementia solutions. Notably, it aims to utilize AI to develop precision treatments for dementia by rapidly identifying at-risk individuals. The funding will drive AI integration in clinical settings, boost health outcomes across various conditions, and stimulate novel AI research, promising a transformative impact on the healthcare landscape. This initiative underscores the UK's leadership in cutting-edge healthcare and its dedication to reshaping the future of medical care.

Triple Point, a mission-driven investment manager based in London, has teamed up with Innova, a dynamic player in renewable energy, to secure a substantial debt facility of up to £40 million. Their shared objective is to supercharge Innova's expansion in the UK's Solar and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) sector. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding partnership between the two companies that commenced in 2017. Innova, led by founders Robin Dummett and Andrew Kaye, is on a mission to transform the renewable energy landscape by developing, constructing, and operating a diverse range of environmentally sustainable, long-term solutions. Their focus on utility-scale renewable energy projects employing multiple technologies not only reduces carbon footprints but also empowers energy-intensive users to operate off the grid, delivering benefits to local businesses and communities. The partnership symbolizes a significant leap towards a greener and more sustainable energy future, aligning with the UK's Net Zero targets and contributing to the energy transition industry.

Thanks for joining us in this edition of the Lion Herald Newsletter. We hope you've found inspiration and valuable insights to fuel your tech and innovation journey. Remember, every idea counts, and together, we can turn them into real-world solutions. Stay curious, stay innovative, and stay tuned for more exciting stories in our next issue!

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