New York, Sep 23 (V7N)- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an international initiative to establish shared global policies and standards for artificial intelligence (AI), saying the technology must be developed in a way that maximizes its benefits while addressing emerging risks.
In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly since becoming prime minister in July, Burnham said AI could transform healthcare, education and economic growth but could also create significant challenges for security, employment and society.
Burnham said AI would be placed at the heart of the UK's G20 presidency in 2027. He said Britain would work with international partners to develop common principles and standards covering transparency, access, preparedness and the safe development of AI.
“AI will transform the way we live and work. At the same time, it could increase risks,” Burnham said, urging governments to take expert warnings and public concerns about the technology seriously.
He argued that decisions involving technologies as consequential as AI should not be left to uncertainty. According to Burnham, democratically elected governments should play a central role in determining how such technologies are governed while supporting people through rapid technological changes.
Burnham also announced a new AI and defence partnership between the UK and the United States focused on national security and the protection of critical infrastructure. The two countries are working on trusted and interoperable AI technologies through their respective defence organizations.
The initiative is intended to explore how rapidly developing AI and autonomous technologies can help identify and respond to potential threats affecting maritime routes, airspace and other critical infrastructure.
The UK government said the partnership forms part of broader cooperation with Washington on next-generation technology and security. The two countries have also expanded cooperation involving autonomous systems and defence technology.
Burnham's AI agenda comes amid growing international debate over the technology's potential economic and social benefits as well as concerns about safety, employment, privacy and governance.
Under the UK's 2027 G20 presidency, Burnham said Britain would seek to bring countries together around common global principles and standards, with the aim of improving transparency, access and preparedness while supporting the safe development of AI.
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