Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps with stakeholders from the artificial intelligence industry to establish (a) standards and (b) guidelines for the (i) safe and (ii) secure deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.

The AI Regulation White Paper proposes a proportionate, collaborative approach to AI regulation.

The approach set out in the white paper ensures that the full range of tools to support effective governance including technical standards and assurance techniques to support the implementation of the UK’s approach. The Government is actively supporting the development of these tools. The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation is building on the AI Assurance Roadmap to establish an AI Assurance ecosystem in the UK, and the UK AI Standards Hub champions the use of global technical standards. These initiatives include collaboration with industry to showcase how these tools can be applied to real-world use cases to align with the AI regulatory principles.

This collaborative approach is also reflected in the UK’s plans to accelerate the UK’s capability in artificial intelligence. The Foundation Model Taskforce will develop the safe and reliable use of this pivotal artificial intelligence (AI) across the economy, and ensure the UK is globally competitive in this strategic technology.

The UK will continue to take a leading role in international discussions on the responsible and ethical development of AI through multilateral forums such as the OECD, Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), and the G7 where we were particularly pleased to reach an agreement last week that recognised the need for close working on AI – with a focus on Generative AI.