The British government has announced that tech entrepreneur Ian Hogarth will head its newly established taskforce focused on examining the safety risks associated with artificial intelligence

(AI). The appointment comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak positioned London as a potential global hub for AI regulation, with plans to host a summit on AI risks later this year.

Ian Hogarth, co-founder of concert discovery service SongKick, which was acquired by Warner Music in 2017, has been selected to lead the UK's AI Foundation Model Taskforce. His primary objective is to advance cutting-edge safety research in preparation for the upcoming global summit on AI risks.

Expressing his commitment to the task, Hogarth stated, "The Prime Minister has presented an ambitious vision for the UK to accelerate the field of AI safety, an area that has been relatively under-resourced despite the rapid advancements in AI capabilities. I am honored to chair such a crucial mission in the lead up to the first-ever global summit on AI Safety in the UK."

In April, the government pledged an initial funding of £100 million ($128.17 million) to establish the taskforce. Its mandate includes examining the risks surrounding AI, conducting safety research, and contributing to the development of international safeguards, such as shared standards and infrastructure for safety and security.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the significant potential of AI to drive economic growth and enhance public services. He also underscored the responsibility to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI for the benefit of future generations.

The appointment of Ian Hogarth signals the UK's commitment to proactive engagement with AI safety and regulation. As the country prepares to host the forthcoming AI risks summit, Hogarth's expertise and leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the UK's approach to AI governance and fostering international cooperation in this domain. Photo by mikemacmarketing, Wikimedia commons.