Government reveals experts joining new AI Council

The Government has confirmed the line-up of its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council, the independent committee that will discuss how to promote the adoption and ethical use of the technology.

Co-founder of Google-owned AI firm DeepMind, Mustafa Suleyman, AI for good founder Kriti Sharma and Alan Turing Institute director and chief executive Professor Adrian Smith are among the more than 20 industry experts joining the panel.

The Government had previously confirmed the creation of the council and its chair – Tabitha Goldstaub, co-founder of online platform CognitionX, which provides companies with information and access to AI experts.

The Government said the council will look into identifying and overcoming the barriers of AI adoption in society, including issues around consumer trust and protecting consumer data.

Digital Secretary Jeremy Wright said Britain was “already a leading authority in AI” and the council would help continue that momentum.

“We are home to some of the world’s finest academic institutions, landing record levels of investment to the sector and attracting the best global tech talent, but we must not be complacent,” he said.

“Through our AI Council we will continue this momentum by leveraging the knowledge of experts from a range of sectors to provide leadership on the best use and adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy.

“Under the leadership of Tabitha Goldstaub, the Council will represent the UK AI Sector on the international stage and help us put in place the right skills and practices to make the most of data-driven technologies.”

Confirmation of the council’s membership comes on the first anniversary of the AI Sector deal, a billion-pound joint venture between the Government and industry to try and push the UK to the forefront of emerging technology such as AI.

“The use of Artificial Intelligence is becoming integral to people’s everyday lives, from companies protecting their customers from fraud to smart devices in our homes,” Business Secretary Greg Clark said.

“The outstanding expertise of those joining our new AI Council will be invaluable as we look to develop this ever-changing industry into one that is world-leading, attracting the brightest and best to work in new highly-skilled jobs.

“This AI Council follows our ground-breaking AI Sector Deal, and is a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy – investing now to secure the UK’s position on the world stage in these cutting edge technologies both now and long into the future.”