International expert panel for AI Safety report unveiled

1 February 2024, 10:14

Chatbot Chat with AI tech concept, Businessman using artificial intelligence technology smart robot AI to Service and help customer online, Conversati. Picture: PA

The first-of-its-kind scientific report on AI will be used to shape international discussions around the technology.

Industry experts including the chief technology officer of Sony and the UN envoy on technology have been named among the advisers working on a major international report on AI safety.

Announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the UK-hosted AI Safety Summit in November, the first-of-its-kind international scientific report will examine the risks of cutting edge artificial intelligence.

A total of 32 experts have been unveiled as part of the expert advisory panel which will work on the report, including representatives from 30 leading AI nations who attended the AI Safety Summit, as well as representatives from the EU and UN.

Chief Government scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean has been named as the UK’s representative on the panel, alongside figures from nations including France, Germany, Japan and Australia – and also the US and China.

Dr Hiroaki Kitano, chief technology officer of Japanese tech giant Sony is among the panellists, as is UN tech envoy Amandeep Gill and Saif M Khan, senior adviser to the secretary for critical and emerging technologies at the US department of commerce.

China has nominated Dr Yi Zeng, professor at the institute of automation within the Chinese academy of sciences, as its representative.

The panel and report is lead by Canadian computer scientist Professor Yoshua Bengio, considered one of the “godfathers of AI”.

The report will be used shape debate and discussion at future AI Safety Summits – with two scheduled to take place during 2024, hosted by South Korea and France.

“The International Scientific Report on Advanced AI Safety will be a landmark publication, bringing the best scientific research on the risks and capabilities of frontier AI development under one roof,” Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said.

“The report is one part of the enduring legacy of November’s AI Safety Summit, and I am delighted that countries who agreed the Bletchley Declaration will join us in its development.

“The International Expert Advisory Panel will ensure a diverse range of opinions are contributing to the report, as we continue to lead the global conversation on the safe development of AI.”

The year in AI — Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the AI safety summit (Leon Neal/PA)

Professor Bengio said: “I’m delighted to confirm the breadth of international talent who will be working on the International Scientific Report on Advanced AI Safety.

“The publication will be an important tool in helping to inform the discussions at AI safety summits being held by the Republic of Korea and France later this year, bringing together the best scientific research on advanced AI safety.

“Countries who agreed to the Bletchley Declaration will all have a hand in its writing, building on the legacy of November’s summit at Bletchley Park and ensuring discussions on AI safety will continue to be an international endeavour.”

By Press Association