Digital technology companies have profoundly transformed our world and show no signs of slowing down. Sir Keir Starmer understands the importance of his government playing an active role in this evolving landscape rather than leaving control solely to the US and China. Official figures indicate that the UK ranks as the third-largest market for AI, with universities serving as key breeding grounds for talent. Google DeepMind, whose scientists were honored with a Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year, was initially British before Google acquired it in 2014. However, the US and China, particularly American corporations that dominate the digital sphere, have surged ahead. The rest of the world risks being swept along by the AI tide without having much say in it.
One crucial step towards technological sovereignty is expanding the UK’s publicly owned computing resources, known as sovereign compute capacity. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has cautioned about the forthcoming battle to ensure democratic oversight of computing. Counterbalancing the private sector’s dominance requires fresh public investment, and the strategy to nurture the AI industry, including establishing a new growth zone in Oxfordshire, forms part of a forward-thinking industrial strategy for the 21st century.
Yet, the massive energy requirements associated with AI data centers present a significant challenge that can’t be ignored. Ministers are aware of this, prompting the establishment of a new AI energy council. However, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, along with environmentally focused colleagues, will need to exert considerable effort to ensure the policy’s energy implications receive the attention they deserve, especially from leadership primarily focused on growth and productivity.
The government’s aspirations for AI-driven public sector reform also bring to light another series of questions. There’s a lingering concern that the potential drawbacks could be overlooked in a rush to highlight advantages. Past issues, like the Post Office Horizon controversy and the collapse of a £10bn NHS patient record system, cast doubt on the government’s capability to implement significant AI reforms. Some experts suggest that before launching ambitious new initiatives, it’s crucial to address existing inefficiencies, such as determining the level of autonomy for organizations like NHS trusts, local councils, or academy chains.
In his document, tech investor Matt Clifford advocates a “scan, pilot, scale” approach but glosses over substantial challenges. While he recognizes privacy concerns, there’s no definitive plan for managing the conflicts likely to arise from sharing public data with private entities. Furthermore, ministers have yet to satisfy industry demands to freely use existing materials for machine learning, but they haven’t ruled it out either. UK creatives, already under pressure, don’t need their work handed over to internet companies without just compensation.
There’s no denying AI’s potential for positive impact. Government ministers are hopeful and realistic that AI can improve public services, like freeing up GPs so they can engage more with patients rather than typing notes. However, global struggles to regulate social media warn of the complexities involved. While Big Tech presents a polished narrative aided by strong lobbying, governments need to cut through the noise and emphasize responsible oversight of AI technologies.
