U.S. And UK Sign AI Safety Memorandum Of Understanding
On April 1, 2024, the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (UK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a partnership for the purpose of working collaboratively in testing and researching artificial intelligence (AI) models. The MOU represents an evolution of the commitments made by both the U.S. and the UK at the AI Safety Summit in November of 2023. As AI is developing rapidly, both governments recognize the need to act now to ensure a shared approach to AI safety which can keep pace with the technology’s emerging risks. This partnership will accelerate the two countries’ work to address national security risks, as well as the broader concerns and risks AI has on society.
One of the primary goals of the collaboration is to jointly develop advanced AI model testing, which follows similar commitments announced at an AI Safety Summit in November 2023. The new partnership will focus on the science of artificial intelligence safety, amid growing concerns about upcoming next-generation versions of AI models. The U.S. and UK also plan to perform at least one joint testing exercise on a publicly accessible model in the near future.
Additionally, the MOU details how the partnership between the U.S. and UK is intended to align scientific approaches and allow for the countries to freely share information and findings regarding the capabilities and risks associated with AI models and systems. The U.S. and UK AI Safety Institutes plan to develop these capabilities through information-sharing channels, close cooperation, and expert personnel exchanges. Notably, the Institutes have laid out plans to build common approach to AI safety testing and to share their findings to ensure that risks can be tackled effectively.
This MOU between the U.S. and UK is the first bilateral agreement of its kind, and took effect immediately on April 1. However, they are not the only countries that are establishing a government-led AI safety institute. Both the U.S. and UK are working to develop similar partnerships with other countries to promote AI safety.
As more countries make efforts and form partnerships to ensure AI safety, these agreements may create new compliance and regulations for businesses. Contact one of McGrath North’s privacy and compliance experts for all your questions relating to the U.S. and UK’s MOU and its new updates for AI compliance.
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