US and UK Join Forces on AI Security

The United States and the United Kingdom have established a formal partnership to address concerns regarding the safety of artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership was solidified through a memorandum of understanding signed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and British Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan in Washington DC.

The agreement aims to collaboratively develop advanced AI model testing, building upon commitments made during an AI safety summit in Bletchley Park. Recognizing AI as a pivotal technology of our time, both nations are committed to mitigating risks to national security and broader societal concerns.

“This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world,” said Donelan. “AI is already an extraordinary force for good in our society, and has vast potential to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, but only if we are able to grip those risks.”

As part of this partnership, the U.S. and UK intend to conduct joint testing exercises on publicly accessible AI models and are contemplating personnel exchanges between their respective institutes. They also aim to forge similar collaborations with other countries to promote AI safety globally.

Acknowledging the transformative potential of AI while also acknowledging its associated risks, both countries plan to exchange vital information on AI capabilities and risks, as well as engage in technical research on AI safety and security.

Recent actions by both nations reflect their commitment to addressing AI risks. In October, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order to mitigate AI risks, while in January, the US Commerce Department proposed regulations requiring US cloud companies to monitor foreign access to U.S. data centers for AI model training.

In parallel, the UK announced plans to invest over £100 million to establish nine research hubs and educate AI regulators. This partnership signifies a pioneering effort to proactively address AI safety concerns on an international scale, recognizing the need for collaborative action in navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by AI technology.