UK and US to Cooperate on AI Safety

The UK and US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to start the partnership on enhancing the safe development and usage of AI. The two countries detailed plans that include the testing of powerful models.

In a joint statement, the governments explained the work and research will be done through newly-created institutes charged with evaluating AI safety, as well as developing guidance to mitigate risks associated with the technology. Under the partnership, the countries aim to conduct at least one joint testing exercise on a publicly accessible model and tap into a collective pool of expertise from the two institutes. The UK and US further noted plans to build a common approach to AI safety testing have been laid out, and the two countries iterated a commitment to establish similar partnerships with other countries to promote AI safety across the globe.

The MoU was signed by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, with the partnership built on commitments made at the 2023 AI Safety Summit. “By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the US and the UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re keeping AI safe both now and in the future”, Raimondo commented. The partnership will take effect immediately.