AI regulations gain support from over 100 UK parliamentarians

As artificial intelligence's (AI) footprint has become far-reaching, calls for regulations on powerful AI systems have obtained the nod of over 100 UK parliamentarians, as the government is moving too slowly in establishing necessary safeguards.

This myriad of UK lawmakers seeking AI regulations includes a former AI minister and defence secretary, fearing that superintelligent AI could threaten national and global security.

The campaign is coordinated by Control AI, a nonprofit organisation backed by prominent figures such as Jaan Tallinn, co-founder of Skype. They are calling for Labour leader Keir Starmer to distance himself from the anti-regulation stance upheld by Donald Trump’s administration.

Des Browne, a Labour peer and former defence secretary, warned that superintelligent AI could be the most dangerous technological advancement after nuclear weapons.

Zac Goldsmith, a member of the Conservative party, criticised the government for lagging behind AI companies, allowing them to develop technology with minimal oversight.

He emphasised the need for the UK to regain its leadership in AI security through international agreements to prohibit the development of superintelligent AI until its risks are fully comprehended.

The call for regulation follows a safety summit at Bletchley Park in 2023, which identified serious potential harms caused by advanced AI systems.

Those backing the Control AI campaign, including Bishop Steven Croft, are advocating for an independent AI watchdog to oversee public sector use and establish minimum testing standards for AI models.

Consensus is also growing that immediate action should be taken to address the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technology.