British PM Rishi Sunak Planning Global AI Watchdog

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is proposing establishing a worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) watchdog in London to supervise any hazards posed by the rapidly evolving technology.

Sunak will discuss methods to collaborate on AI monitoring when he meets US President Joe Biden at the White House next week.

One suggestion being considered in Downing Street is the establishment of a global AI authority in London, similar to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The IAEA, which was created in 1957 and has 176 members, including India, supervises the use of nuclear energy, supports safe standards, and ensures that it is not utilized for military purposes.

According to the British politician, the UK would be the best place in the world for any new body because many prominent corporations already have a substantial presence there.

Though plans are still in the early stage, if Sunak goes ahead, the UK government could aim to hire quickly to get the authority up and operating.

“The Prime Minister is acutely aware of the need for international alignment on the approach to AI as the technology evolves to ensure we can capitalize on the opportunities while managing the risks”, a government official said.

The potential of Sunak establishing a regulator comes as the European Union (EU) is finalizing its Artificial Intelligence Act, which is expected to be tough on industry monitoring.

The United States is also proposing regulations, although they are expected to be less stringent as the world grapples with worries about the safety of AI technology.

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