Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to raise awareness on the potential risks associated with AI.

We are hugely optimistic about how AI will transform the lives of British people for the better – but advanced AI could lead to serious security risks.

The UK Government has been clear eyed about the risks AI could bring and have been clear on the need to balance these risks, for example via:

• The National Security Strategy, published in June, outlines the government’s focus on building the UK national security agenda for AI around three pillars: creating more national capacity; accelerating adoption in key sectors; and advancing understanding of the national security risks.
• The Chronic Risk Analysis, also published by the Government in June, assesses longer-term challenges and risks. It highlights that while AI offers significant economic and societal benefits, its rapid advancements pose enduring challenges, including outpacing safety measures, misuse, and potential disruptions to society and the economy. Balancing these risks and opportunities is crucial.
• Establishing the AI Security Institute (AISI) which was set up to equip governments with a scientific understanding of AI’s risks.