Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK government is under pressure to regulate artificial intelligence as concerns about its impact grow.
What steps her Department is taking to regulate artificial intelligence. The White Paper on AI regulation outlines five cross-sectoral principles but lacks concrete actions and timelines for implementation.
In our White Paper on AI regulation we set out an ambitious pro-regulation, pro-innovation framework outlining five cross-sectoral principles. We have established a central risk function and provided new funding and guidance for regulators.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timelines or concrete actions not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Competition and Markets Authority has warned about the potential harms from unregulated AI, including biases affecting certain demographics.
Why have the Government dragged their feet on safeguards for advanced AI models? The Prime Minister previously stated that rushing to regulate is not the answer. Are they waiting for a Labour government?
We are leading on AI safety with initiatives like the AI Safety Summit and establishing the world's first AI Safety Institute, testing both pre and post deployment. We will not rush to legislate but want to understand risks better.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeframe for safeguards avoided
Changing Subject To International Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The TUC will launch a Bill on AI regulation and employment rights, emphasizing transparency in the workplace.
What measures will the Government take to ensure that AI does not weaken workers' rights? The TUC's Bill focuses on transparency, observability, and explainability as key elements of fair workplaces.
We are focused on garnishing opportunities from AI for jobs in sectors like teaching and medicine. We acknowledge that technology changes labour market needs, hence our skills system revolution including a lifelong learning entitlement next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Worker rights protections not addressed
Shifting Focus To Job Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Federation of Small Businesses calls for an urgent regulatory framework, citing potential delays in AI regulation.
Can the Secretary of State provide a timeframe for AI regulation? The FSB and Dr Rogoyski highlight urgency due to risks of delay.
We are committed to unlocking opportunities while mitigating risks, engaging internationally with the US on AI institutes through a memorandum of understanding. We will legislate carefully and globally, as others do.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeframe not provided
Discussing International Cooperation
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN plans to internationally regulate artificial intelligence, raising questions about UK sovereign security.
What assessments have the Government made of the United Nations' international regulation plans for AI? Implications for UK sovereignty must be considered.
The UK is committed to unlocking AI opportunities while mitigating risks, both domestically and internationally. We actively engage in the UN and shape UNESCO recommendations on AI ethics.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessments not provided
Discussing International Engagement
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Leading AI developers are expected to release new models, and the AI Safety Institute has access for pre-deployment testing.
Has our AI Safety Institute had access to upcoming AI models? Developers have made changes as requested. What specific actions have been taken?
Our institute is the first in the world to test pre and post-deployment, including access agreed at Bletchley Park. Specific model details are commercially sensitive.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific model details not disclosed due to sensitivity
Citing Commercial Sensitivity
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
AI has potential benefits for public health, such as diagnosing bowel cancer.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that promoting best practices and accelerating healthcare missions with AI is urgent? Simply slowing things down would be counterproductive.
Absolutely, AI can revolutionize healthcare. We announced a £100 million pot to accelerate existing healthcare missions and are working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government have been warned about the risks associated with AI technology such as deepfakes. There is criticism that Ministers have delayed action on these issues.
AI is an incredible new technology and can help the NHS to save lives, but there are also risks, such as the danger of deepfakes. The Government have been warned about those risks, yet time and again Ministers have dithered and delayed. Have the Government run out of ideas, or are they just scared of their own Back Benchers?
We have the defending democracy taskforce, which is dedicated to this subject and led by the Security Minister. We work with social media companies and our international counterparts. The Deputy Prime Minister leads the way with his AI compact. There is no easy answer, but we are working conciliatorily and quickly to address all opportunities and risks.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about whether the Government has run out of ideas or fears acting was not directly addressed.
Hedging Language
Broad Statements
Response accuracy