AI Regulation: A Framework for Responsible Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise our world, but it also comes with risks that we must carefully consider, ranging from accuracy and bias to privacy and security concerns. That’s why it is essential to develop ethical AI frameworks that mitigate these risks. We must be careful as we move forward, aware of the potential risks and implications, and making trust our top priority.
However, we cannot expect all companies to voluntarily follow ethical guidelines when it comes to AI. That’s why it is essential to implement a tailored, risk-based AI regulatory framework that is specific to the context and use of AI, fosters innovation, and protects individual rights and freedoms.
Salesforce is a long-standing member of techUK and is proud to be working together on the development of UK tech policy. We commend techUK's call for AI regulation that is risk-based, proportionate, flexible, and global. It is the best way to ensure that AI is used for good and that its benefits are shared by all.
AI regulation must be nuanced, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
A one-size-fits-all approach to AI regulation could unintentionally stifle innovation, impede healthy competition, and slow down the adoption of technology that benefits consumers and businesses around the world. This is why it is essential for all stakeholders in the AI value chain, from enterprise applications to foundational models, to have a seat at the table with policymakers. While many policies focus on consumer concerns, which often trigger initial policy discussions, AI regulation requires more nuance.
To ensure that AI is used responsibly, regulations should be tailored to the specific context, control, and uses of the technology. This means that regulations should consider the specific risks and benefits of AI in different contexts, the level of control that developers and deployers have over AI, and the specific uses of AI. For example, developers of generative AI models should be responsible for the training and data used to create their models. Deployers of the technology should determine how it is used and establish rules governing interactions with people. By focusing on the responsibility of developers, the control of deployers, and the risks of application of AI, regulation can be more targeted, effective, and fair.
By focusing on the accountability of developers, the control of deployers, and the risks of AI applications, regulation can be more specific, efficient, and equitable. That is why Salesforce strongly welcomes the UK government’s AI Safety Summit to bring international coordination on an issue that will have enormous impact on our economy and society. This is a watershed moment for our industry and it is imperative that AI is developed safely and responsibly.
AI regulation should not start from scratch
Existing laws and policies already provide some level of guidance on AI-related concerns, such as global data protection laws. Therefore, as new AI-specific regulations are developed, it is imperative to be consistent with existing rules, avoiding duplication or conflicting requirements.
Ethical AI frameworks must uphold the fundamental human right to privacy and ensure that data within the AI ecosystem remains secure and confidential. They must also be accountable and transparent so people can understand the decision-making process behind AI-driven recommendations. To keep pace with innovation, regulations should be globally interoperable, durable, and flexible. They should provide a framework for ethical development and deployment of AI systems without being tied to specific technologies or timeframes.
Responsible AI development is a global shared responsibility
The journey towards responsible and trustworthy AI requires governments, industry, academia, and civil society working together to shape AI norms that benefit humanity.
AI, particularly generative AI, holds the promise of transforming our world in ways we could not have imagined just a few years ago. However, we must approach this transformation with caution and responsibility. A tailored approach to regulation, differentiation based on context and control, data privacy, transparency, accountability, and harmonisation with existing rules are essential components of building a trustworthy and ethical AI landscape. By working together, we can navigate this important moment to harness the full potential of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.
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Connect with Sarwar on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarwarpk
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Learn more about Salesforce’s 5 guidelines for responsible AI development
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Learn more about Salesforce’s AI Acceptable Use Policy
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
Emerging technologies will be debated and explored at our annual Tech and Innovation Summit, taking place on 6 November. This campaign week will directly feed into the themes discussed at the Summit.
techUK’s flagship Tech and Innovation Summit returns to traverse the extraordinary and ground-breaking discoveries made possible by the application of emerging and transformative technologies.
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
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This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
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Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
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Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024