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We have a chance to build a consensus on AI rules and norms

The writer is the director of the UK’s intelligence organisation GCHQ, which today published ‘The Ethics of AI’

We are in a new technology age. Innovation is expanding economies, enhancing lives and offering new ways to keep us safe. But the sources of this innovation are more diverse and often less western. The rules of the road are arguably less clear.

Increasingly, strategic and economic advantages come from digital and data. It’s a world where nearly every person on Earth lives within reach of a mobile phone signal and where more and more objects are being connected to the internet of things, generating huge amounts of data, which is almost doubling every two years. Used responsibly, this data enhances all aspects of society. Artificial intelligence — software that can learn to solve problems at a scale and speed impossible for humans — is key to helping ensure we make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Against this backdrop, GCHQ is changing as we adapt to deliver our mission to keep the country safe. We expect AI to be at the heart of this transformation and we want to be transparent about its use. We are known for bringing together brilliant minds to tackle the security problems of the moment. I don’t expect that to change.

We recognise a team must be inclusive to build good AI. And good AI is enabling us to do our job in different ways, allowing analysts to deal with ever increasing volumes and complexity of data, improving the quality and speed of decision-making. Its applications are broad: from identifying and countering “troll farms” pedalling disinformation to mapping and tracking international networks that are helping to traffic people, drugs or weapons. In short, it allows our people to focus their efforts where it matters.

AI is already enhancing many aspects of everyday life, from satnavs to online shopping, and it will be even more critical as the world becomes more complex. We see the benefits for national security and much more. We are also perhaps uniquely placed to see the risks.

This is because GCHQ has a long history of dealing with data at scale and we understand the responsibility we have to do that in a legal, proportionate and ethical way. But it’s also because we can see where others are falling short, including in efforts to ensure security of personal data, and where systems and regulations are being developed in a way that does not accord with the UK’s values as an open democratic society. Or, at its worst, where the technology is used to surveil and control populations.

We have seen the threats and opportunities of new technologies play out during the pandemic as we live more of our lives online. Technology has offered a way through the crisis, keeping us connected, enabling different ways of working and access to crucial services from home.

Our adversaries have learnt similar lessons. They have exploited the ease of connectivity and poor cyber security. Criminals are sending “phishing” emails claiming to have a “cure” for the virus but instead they infect computers with malware. State hackers have attempted to steal vaccine research and exploit supply chains. A more prosperous and secure society is at stake so we must work together to manage this spectrum of risk. 

AI will be crucial to our future. It’s clear it will further enable telecommunications systems, transport networks and banks while accelerating innovation in healthcare and ultimately fuel data-driven policy solutions. In the broader economy, it will provide massive commercial opportunities, create jobs and drive profit. 

The way in which AI is developed, implemented and exploited must show we are serious about ethics, inclusion and democratic values. Shaping this is as important as the amazing potential of the underlying science — if not more so. In the hands of an adversary with little respect for human rights, such a powerful technology could be used for oppression. Inaction can let those who build the technology of tomorrow — whether a country or company — project their values or interests by stealth, poor design or inadequate diversity. The consequences are hard to overstate. 

We are working with allies to address that challenge head-on. As a leading technology player and responsible cyber power, the UK is in a strong position to lead global efforts to ensure AI, and other new technologies, are a force for good. The UK’s presidency of the G7 provides a timely opportunity to explore and develop these themes. GCHQ looks forward to playing its part in public debate to build towards a consensus on international rules and norms around emerging technology and its application in our societies.