The United Kingdom has launched a review on Artificial Intelligence (AI) models such as ChatGPT and Midjourney. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will assess the competition and consumer protection implications of companies using the technology. CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell highlighted the need for this transformative technology to be readily accessible to UK businesses and consumers, while also ensuring safeguards like protecting people from false or misleading information.
The sudden popularity of AI in recent years has prompted lawmakers to investigate the potential consequences of its uncontrolled growth. Authorities around the globe are now seeking to establish suitable boundaries for regulating the sector without stifling innovation. In Britain, the government has devised a plan to divide AI monitoring responsibilities among its human rights, health and safety, and competition watchdogs instead of setting up a separate agency.
Sir Patrick Vallance, former head of the UK government’s Chief Scientists Office, recently told a parliamentary committee that AI could possess an impact on jobs reminiscent of the industrial revolution. The CMA plans to investigate the implications of companies using artificial intelligence on competition for companies and consumer protection. They have requested feedback by June 2, with the intention to report their discoveries in September.
Across the pond, US organisations are voicing support for AI-related regulations and the US Federal Trade Commission is in the process of probing the effects of AI on customers. The White House has invited a selection of tech industry figures including top executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Microsoft to a meeting to discuss security issues concerning the technology.
All of this suggests that the UK’s review of AI models like ChatGPT and Midjourney is part of a burgeoning wave of government enterprises aimed at regulating AI across multiple countries.
OpenAI is a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence research laboratory with the mission of researching and developing technology that is feasible, trustworthy and safe. They are currently working on projects such as GPT-3 and develop ChatGPT, an advanced AI software that provides users with text, music and video-based experiences.
Sir Patrick Vallance is trained in clinical medicine, specializing in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. He served as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government from 2017 to 2020 and has played vital roles in the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, he is a professor at University College London and has been awarded numerous prestigious scientific awards and honors.
