The AI Safety Summit hosted by the UK last November was labelled a ‘damp squib’ by Labour MP Steve Race.
- Race criticised the previous administration’s attempt to lead global AI regulation, citing a lack of impact.
- Labour promises a different approach, integrating diverse perspectives in AI policy development.
- Concerns were raised over the summit’s focus on future existential risks rather than current technological harms.
- A follow-up event is scheduled in California this November to address previous discussions on AI safety.
In a forthright appraisal at the 2024 Labour Party Conference, Exeter MP Steve Race described the UK-hosted AI Safety Summit last November as a ‘damp squib’. He indicated that the previous government’s initiative to position the UK as a global leader in AI regulation did not result in tangible outcomes. Race remarked on the UK’s unique capability to lead discussions on AI policy due to its trusted reputation and regulatory history, yet he lamented, ‘there was no real impact from the summit itself.’
Labour Digital chair Casey Calista articulated that the former government underestimated the importance of involving civil society in the discussions, considering them an afterthought. In contrast, she assured that Labour would adopt a ‘whole of society approach,’ ensuring diverse voices are represented in shaping AI policies. This reflects a broader strategy to secure more inclusive and comprehensive policy-making processes.
Brittany Smith, head of UK policy and partnerships at OpenAI, critiqued the summit for its excessive focus on distant existential risks, noting the neglect of present-day challenges posed by AI. She highlighted issues such as the flawed deployment of facial recognition technology, which poses immediate risks like unjust legal consequences, thereby underscoring the need for a balanced dialogue that includes urgent realities.
Looking forward, the UK is poised to host a follow-up event in California this November. The event aims to further the discussions initiated at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit and the subsequent Seoul Summit. The primary goal is to explore the implementation of safety protocols considered during previous gatherings and developed by international AI Safety Institutes.
Labour argues for a more inclusive and immediate approach to AI regulation, stressing the importance of addressing current risks while planning for the future.
