The UK wants to play a central role in regulating artificial intelligence (AI). Its Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced from Washington that his country will host the first dedicated global summit next fall. “Countries with a similar approach” on the subject will meet to define a clearer framework surrounding a technology which has seen a considerable acceleration in recent months, brought about by the arrival of ChatGPT.
Through its initiative, the United Kingdom aims to eventually host the headquarters of a potential global AI regulator. However, this desire could be thwarted by the United States and the European Union, which are currently working on legislation ad hoc.
The UK versus the EU
In May, MEPs voted in favor of a stricter bill targeting the excesses of AI-powered systems, without hindering innovation. Proof that this balancing act is not easy, this text proposed in 2021 by the European Commission has already been the subject of more than 3000 amendments. It should be put to a plenary vote in the European Parliament in June, before the start of negotiations between the said Parliament, the Council and the European Commission.
Against this backdrop, the UK becoming the global arbiter of AI is far from guaranteed. “If you look at the number of companies, the amounts invested, the quality of our research, no one is on par among other democratic countries, outside of the United States”insisted Rishi Sunak to defend the British position, on the sidelines of a meeting with Joe Biden at the White House.
This statement from Washington is not insignificant and no doubt corresponds to a desire to emphasize US support. It now remains to be seen whether the EU will agree, as Brussels also wants to become the global benchmark for AI regulation.