The U.S. and UK announced a partnership on the science of artificial intelligence safety, in a press release, Monday. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which both countries signed, outlines them working together to develop tests for the most advanced AI models. This MOU is the follow-through from commitments made last November at the AI Safety Summit. The MOU was signed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donlean.
“The partnership will see both countries working to align their scientific approaches and working closely to accelerate and rapidly iterate robust suites of evaluations for AI models, systems, and agents,” the US Department of Commerce said in its statement.
A ‘common approach’
Both institutes have laid out plans to build a ‘common approach’ to AI safety testing. They plan to share their capabilities to ensure these risks can be tackled ‘safely’.
According to the release, the partnership will take effect immediately to allow both organizations to work seamlessly together. Both governments recognize the rapid development of AI and the need to act now to ensure a shared approach to AI safety.
As the UK and the U.S. strengthen their relationship, they have also committed to developing similar partnerships with other countries to promote global AI safety.
Now and in the future
“AI is the defining technology of our generation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes’ work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society. Our partnership makes clear that we aren’t running away from these concerns – we’re running at them. Because of our collaboration, our Institutes will gain a better understanding of AI systems, conduct more robust evaluations, and issue more rigorous guidance.”
“By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the U.S. and UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re keeping AI safe both now and in the future,” Raimondo continued.
“This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation,” said UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan. “We have always been clear that ensuring the safe development of AI is a shared global issue.
“Only by working together can we address the technology’s risks head-on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives,” said Donelan. “The work of our two nations in driving forward AI safety will strengthen the foundations we laid at Bletchley Park in November, and I have no doubt that our shared expertise will continue to pave the way for countries tapping into AI’s enormous benefits safely and responsibly.”
This announcement will see both countries sharing vital information about the capabilities and risks associated with AI models and systems and underpin a common approach to AI safety testing.
