The government’s decision to remove the the independent AI and data ethics advisory board has been branded “deeply disappointing” by one data expert.
It has emerged that the government quietly disbanded the independent AI and data ethics advisory board of its Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI). The board was meant to oversee the responsible use of AI technologies and algorithms in public sector bodies.
Natalie Cramp, CEO of data company, Profusion (pictured) said the moved is “another indication that the government simply doesn’t have a coherent strategy towards data and AI, nor does it have strong stakeholder engagement on this topic.”
In June, prime minister Rishi Sunak said AI presented “one of the greatest opportunities” for the UK.
Cramp pointed out that in November the UK is set to hold a global summit on AI safety – but when compared to the progress the US and Europe have made towards creating and debating AI legislation, the UK is far behind.
“The reality is that AI will become one of the defining technologies of the next few decades. Without well-thought-out rules that govern its development we risk, at best, wasting this opportunity to do a lot of good, and at worst, creating an environment where damaging and undesirable uses of AI thrive. This could lead to us regressing to a more unequal society,” she said.
“It’s particularly worrying that the government has disbanded the advisory board because data ethics is a critical part of legislating a fast-moving technology like AI. When we put this move into the context of the failure to finalise a replacement of GDPR seven years after it was announced it would be scrapped, the ongoing issues around the Online Safety Bill, and the failure to introduce any wide-ranging AI regulations, it paints a picture of a government that does not seem to have a strategy towards regulating and cultivating innovation.
“I hope that the AI safety summit does help to focus minds and results in the threat and opportunity of AI being taken more seriously, however, data ethics is broader than just AI which leaves questions on how the government is going to progress this without the advisory board. The establishment of DSIT was very positive but we need real engagement and transparency with the sector, including SMEs, and the public. Concrete action is needed now before it is too late.”
