First-ever international artificial intelligence declaration signed at Bletchley Park summit

The UK, US, EU and China have signed a world-first declaration to deal with artificial intelligence (AI).

Overall, 28 countries have endorsed the Bletchley Declaration on AI, with other signatories including India, Brazil, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

Countries have agreed on the potential risks stemming from the innovative technology with a focal point on issues regarding cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation.

Other risks discussed included bias and privacy.

Attendees have also agreed to support a scientific research network for frontier AI, adding to existing schemes such as the Global Partnership on AI. The government has said this commitment will enhance the use of the technology and ensure preventative measures are evidence-based.

The declaration read: “Given the rapid and uncertain rate of change of AI, and in the context of the acceleration of investment in technology, we affirm that deepening our understanding of these potential risks and of actions to address them is especially urgent.”

The document has also set out a template to secure long-term collaborative efforts within the sector. A follow-up event will take place in South Korea in six months, and France will host another one a year from now.

Welcoming the declaration, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is a landmark achievement that sees the world’s greatest AI powers agree on the urgency behind understanding the risks of AI – helping ensure the long-term future of our children and grandchildren.

"The UK is once again leading the world at the forefront of this new technological frontier by kickstarting this conversation, which will see us work together to make AI safe and realise all its benefits for generations to come.”

King Charles opened the AI summit this morning by addressing delegates virtually. During his speech, he said AI was one of the “greatest technological leaps in the history of human endeavour" as he called for “international coordination” to ensure the technology remained safe.