Regulate AI

AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in a way that is safe and secure.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has stoked both fear and existential dread among industry experts and politicians alike. Although AI has immense potential, industry insiders have repeatedly warned of the technology's dangers and called for governments to step in with regulations.

Britain is going to host the world's first summit on artificial intelligence later this year, in a bid to broker a common approach by countries to limit the technology's potential doomsday risks while harnessing its potential.

The government outlined its approach to AI regulation, which is based on five principles:

· AI systems should be safe, secure, and robust, and should not pose a risk to people or society.

· AI systems should be transparent and explainable, so that people can understand how they work and make informed decisions about their use.

· AI systems should be fair, and should not discriminate against people on the basis of their race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.

· There should be clear accountability for the use of AI systems, and they should be subject to effective governance arrangements.

· People should have the right to challenge the use of AI systems, and to seek redress if they are harmed by them.

Most of us are now beginning to understand the transformative potential of AI as the technology rapidly improves. But in many ways, AI is already delivering fantastic social and economic benefits for real people – from improving the medical care to making transport safer.

Technology deemed an "unacceptable risk" would be banned outright. High-risk AI tools that could "negatively affect safety or fundamental rights" are required to submit to a risk assessment before being released to the public.

Recent advances in things like generative AI give us a glimpse into the enormous opportunities that await us in the near future if we are prepared to lead the world in the AI sector with our values of transparency, accountability and innovation.

However, others have criticized the government's approach, arguing that it is too light-touch and that it does not go far enough to protect people from the risks of AI.

Going forward, the development and deployment of AI can also present ethical challenges which do not always have clear answers. Unless we act, household consumers, public services and businesses will not trust the technology and will be nervous about adopting it.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA