LONDON—In response to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announcing £100 million in funding for a foundation models taskforce, Kir Nuthi, senior policy analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, issued the following statement:
Advancements in AI, like large language models and other foundation models, have the potential to create enormous social and economic benefits for the UK and its global allies. By focusing on the real issues related to AI systems—their safe development and responsible use—the UK’s new taskforce dedicated to developing its capability in foundation models can further cement the nation as the European leader for science and technology.
Now is not the time to stifle the adoption of economy-changing AI technology. The UK’s focus on promoting AI, especially foundation models, is in direct contrast to the EU’s heavy-handed approach to tech regulation. By continuing to develop innovation-friendly initiatives like this taskforce and its proposal for pro-innovation regulation of digital technologies, the UK continues to justify its status as a global destination for AI technologies.
