UK to get ‘early or priority access’ to AI models from Google and OpenAI

The level of access that the United Kingdom will receive remains uncertain, but the reported commitment from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic could be unprecedented. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that these three tech leaders in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have agreed to provide early access to their AI models for the UK.

Sunak made this announcement during his speech at London Tech Week, which aims to bring together innovative thinkers and talent in the tech industry. He explained a three-part plan to ensure the safe and secure deployment of AI systems in the UK. The first step involves collaborating with Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic to conduct cutting-edge safety research. These companies have committed to granting early or priority access to their models for research and safety purposes, helping the UK evaluate the opportunities and risks of these systems.

The second step of the UK’s plan recognizes that AI transcends national borders, leading to the formation of a global task force. The third step involves investing in AI and quantum technologies to harness their potential for improving people’s lives. The UK has already made substantial investments in computing and quantum technologies.

The exact nature of the “early or priority” access that the UK government will receive, as well as the timeline for such access, remains unclear. In the past, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic have provided betas and limited previews of their language models, both internally and externally. It is uncertain whether the UK will gain access to production models earlier than the general public or contractors, or if the commitment is simply to offer access to the government and other priority researchers.

These announcements coincide with the UK’s ongoing regulatory efforts to establish comprehensive protections in response to the growth of generative AI. Additionally, there is increasing pressure on the UK to regulate cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 technologies.

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