Downing Street has recently announced that it will be restructuring the advisers on artificial intelligence (AI) following claims that they were caught off guard by advances in large language models such as ChatGPT. AI Council, a committee of experts established to advise ministers and The Alan Turing Institute (ATI), has been accused of being blindsided by the significance of the technology, although both organisations have denied these claims.
To spearhead the adoption and regulation of the technology in the UK, the government has appointed Ian Hogarth, the tech entrepreneur, as chair of the new foundation model taskforce. The taskforce will replace the AI Council as the main forum for external advice for the government, and it will have a rotating panel of experts.
This change in strategy is said to be part of No 10’s “tech and talent” overhaul, which encourages the recruitment of mathematicians, data scientists, and computer programmers in the civil service. Robust investment in AI has been a driving force of this plan, with the UK government announcing a £250m fund supporting the National AI Strategy in June this year.
This move follows the UK AI sector’s increased momentum, with many start-ups challenging established players like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Indeed, DeepMind, the British-based Google-owned AI lab, has developing an AI programme that may help reduce carbon emissions.
Overall, the UK’s AI sector appears to be booming, and with the recent restructuring of advisers, the government hopes to remain at the forefront of AI developments and reap their many benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the AI Council and what is its purpose?
The AI Council is a committee of experts established to advise ministers and The Alan Turing Institute (ATI) on artificial intelligence (AI) matters.
Why was the AI Council accused of being caught off guard by advances in large language models such as ChatGPT?
The AI Council was accused of being caught off guard by advances in large language models due to claims that they were blindsided by the significance of the technology.
Who has been appointed as the chair of the new foundation model taskforce?
Ian Hogarth, a tech entrepreneur, has been appointed as the chair of the new foundation model taskforce.
What will be the main forum for external advice for the government going forward?
The new foundation model taskforce will replace the AI Council as the main forum for external advice for the government.
What is No 10's tech and talent overhaul?
No 10's tech and talent overhaul is a plan that encourages the recruitment of mathematicians, data scientists, and computer programmers in the civil service.
How much money did the UK government announce to support the National AI Strategy in June of this year?
The UK government announced a £250m fund to support the National AI Strategy in June of this year.
What start-ups are challenging established players like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in the UK AI sector?
Many start-ups are challenging established players like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in the UK AI sector.
What is DeepMind, and what has it developed?
DeepMind is a British-based Google-owned AI lab, and it has developed an AI programme that may help reduce carbon emissions.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
