The new head of the UK government’s AI taskforce, Ian Hogarth, has emphasized that protecting British jobs in the face of advancing artificial intelligence systems will be a significant challenge. As AI continues to progress, more jobs are expected to be automated, leading to a global shift in the job market. While some new human jobs may emerge, there have already been reports of job losses due to companies adopting AI tools over human workers.
The taskforce’s primary goal is to help the government understand the risks associated with AI systems and hold companies accountable. Hogarth expressed concerns about the potential harm AI could cause, such as wrongful arrests in law enforcement or increased cybercrime due to malicious computer code. While acknowledging expert warnings about AI’s potential as an existential threat, Hogarth also highlights the positive impact of AI technologies, especially in healthcare, where AI is helping identify new antibiotics and assisting in disease detection.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is keen on making AI a key priority for the UK, aiming to establish the country as a global hub for the AI sector. OpenAI and Palantir have already announced plans to open offices in London, indicating the city’s attractiveness for AI development.
The UK faces challenges in positioning itself as a major player in the fast-moving AI tech industry. The government has allocated £100 million for AI safety research under Hogarth’s leadership, with the ultimate aim of delivering tangible benefits to the average person in the UK through AI advancements.
