The UK and the US have taken a significant step towards advancing AI safety by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to see the two nations collaborate.
This agreement solidifies their commitment to collaborating on the development of tests for the most advanced AI models. The decision to formalise this partnership follows pledges made at the AI Safety Summit in November.
UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo signed the MOU, marking the beginning of a joint effort to align scientific approaches.
Both nations will work closely to expedite the creation of robust evaluation suites for AI models, systems, and agents.
Donelan emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation.
“We have always been clear that ensuring the safe development of AI is a shared global issue. Only by working together can we address the technology’s risks head-on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives.
“The work of our two nations in driving forward AI safety will strengthen the foundations we laid at Bletchley Park in November, and I have no doubt that our shared expertise will continue to pave the way for countries tapping into AI’s enormous benefits safely and responsibly.”
Establishing a common approach to AI safety
The UK and US AI Safety Institutes have outlined plans to establish a common approach to AI safety testing.
By pooling their resources and expertise, they aim to address the risks associated with AI development effectively.
Collaborative testing exercises on publicly accessible models and personnel exchanges between the Institutes are among the initiatives planned.
The partnership will be immediately effective, enabling seamless collaboration between the two organisations.
With AI technology evolving rapidly, both governments recognise the urgency of establishing a unified approach to AI safety that can adapt to emerging risks.
Driving global collaboration
In addition to strengthening their partnership, the UK and the US have committed to fostering similar collaborations with other nations to promote AI safety globally.
Recognising the international nature of the challenge, they will share crucial information about AI capabilities and risks, as well as engage in joint technical research on AI safety and security.
Raimondo commented: “AI is the defining technology of our generation. This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes’ work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society.
“Our partnership makes clear that we aren’t running away from these concerns – we’re running at them.
“Because of our collaboration, our Institutes will gain a better understanding of AI systems, conduct more robust evaluations, and issue more rigorous guidance.
“By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the US and UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re keeping AI safe both now and in the future.”
The joint effort between the UK and the US underscores the shared commitment to ensuring the safe development of AI on a global scale.
By collaborating on AI safety testing and research, they aim to establish a common scientific foundation that will benefit researchers worldwide.
