In a bold move to tackle the challenges of artificial intelligence head-on, the United States and the United Kingdom have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance AI safety measures jointly. This transatlantic partnership leverages expertise from both nations' AI Safety Institutes, promoting research and development in the testing of AI models.
As reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the agreement, signed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, reinforces the commitment made during last November’s AI Safety Summit. The MOU outlines a framework where both countries will develop tests for cutting-edge AI systems and share these capabilities to mitigate associated risks.
An essential component of the partnership is the collaborative approach to AI safety testing. The U.S. and UK AI Safety Institutes have high hopes of establishing a common understanding of AI safety among international players by sharing their research outcomes and methodologies. Another key aspect is personnel exchange, aimed at benefiting from a diverse pool of expertise.
"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," Raimondo said. "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," she stated.
On the UK side, Donelan highlighted the alliance's significance, noting, "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." She added, "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," according to the announcement.
