Sunak and Google CEO discuss ‘striking right balance’ on AI regulation

According to Downing Street, Rishi Sunak met with Google’s CEO to discuss “striking the right balance” between artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and innovation.

The Prime Minister discussed the significance of putting the appropriate “guard rails” in place to protect computer safety with Sundar Pichai, who is also the CEO of Google’s parent firm Alphabet, No. 10 stated.

It comes after a similar discussion between Mr. Sunak and prominent AI experts about the need for regulation to guard against potential hazards, including disinformation and “existential threats” to national security.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister met with Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet – the parent company of Google – at the Government’s Darlington Economic Campus.

“The Prime Minister thanked Mr Pichai for Google’s role at the heart of the UK’s technology ecosystem, and they spoke about opportunities for growth in the industry.

“On artificial intelligence, they spoke about striking the right balance to ensure the right regulatory guardrails are in place, whilst driving forward innovation.

“They discussed possible opportunities for industry and international collaboration on safe and responsible AI development and agreed to remain in touch on this issue.”

Mr. Sunak has argued that the technology is advantageous for both national security and the economy, but as the ChatGPT bot gains popularity, concerns are growing.

Along with the difficulties raised by Mr. Sunak and tech experts, employment are also in danger due to the technology’s quick development.

In light of plans to transition to AI and automated services, BT Group announced last week that it will eliminate up to 55,000 employees by the end of the decade.

Sir Patrick Vallance, a former chief scientific adviser to the government, has cautioned that AI may affect employment in a way akin to the Industrial Revolution.

The widely regarded “godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton, departed his position at Google earlier this month and issued a “quite scary” warning about some of the risks associated with AI chatbots.

Mr. Sunak has begun speaking more harshly about AI.

A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation was the title of the government’s strategy paper on the subject, which was released less than two months ago.