UK AI Body Renames to Security Institute, Signs MOU with Anthropic

The U.K. government is making a significant shift in its approach to AI, aiming to bolster its economy and industry through this technology. As part of this new direction, the Department of Science, Industry and Technology has announced a rebranding of the AI Safety Institute, established just over a year ago, to the "AI Security Institute." This change in name reflects a shift in focus from existential risks and biases in AI to cybersecurity concerns, specifically enhancing safeguards against AI-related threats to national security and crime. In conjunction with this rebranding, the government has entered into a new partnership with Anthropic. Although specific services haven't been detailed, the memorandum of understanding suggests exploring the use of Anthropic's AI assistant, Claude, in public services. Anthropic will also contribute to scientific research and economic modeling, and at the AI Security Institute, it will supply tools for assessing AI's security risks. “AI has the potential to transform how governments serve their citizens,” said Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei. “We look forward to exploring how Anthropic’s AI assistant Claude could help UK government agencies enhance public services, with the goal of discovering new ways to make vital information and services more efficient and accessible to UK residents.” Anthropic is the only company highlighted in today's announcement, which aligns with a week of AI-related events in Munich and Paris. However, the U.K. government is also working with other AI companies. In January, new tools powered by OpenAI were introduced, and Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for Technology, mentioned plans to collaborate with various foundational AI companies, a strategy exemplified by the deal with Anthropic. The reorientation of the AI Safety Institute to the AI Security Institute, shortly after its launch, aligns with the Labour government's AI-centric "Plan for Change" announced in January. This plan notably omitted terms like "safety," "harm," "existential," and "threat," signaling a focus on economic development through AI rather than solely on safety concerns. This shift isn't surprising, given the government's aim to stimulate investment in a modernized economy using AI. The strategy includes closer collaboration with Big Tech and fostering the growth of homegrown tech giants. Civil servants will have access to an AI assistant named "Humphrey," and are encouraged to use AI to enhance efficiency. Consumers will benefit from digital wallets for government documents and chatbots. While AI safety issues haven't been fully resolved, the government's stance seems to be that progress shouldn't be hindered by safety concerns alone. Despite the name change, the government insists that the core mission remains unchanged. “The changes I’m announcing today represent the logical next step in how we approach responsible AI development – helping us to unleash AI and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change,” Kyle stated. “The work of the AI Security Institute won’t change, but this renewed focus will ensure our citizens – and those of our allies – are protected from those who would look to use AI against our institutions, democratic values, and way of life.” Ian Hogarth, who continues to chair the institute, added, “The Institute’s focus from the start has been on security and we’ve built a team of scientists focused on evaluating serious risks to the public. Our new criminal misuse team and deepening partnership with the national security community mark the next stage of tackling those risks.” Globally, the emphasis on AI safety appears to be shifting. In the U.S., the AI Safety Institute faces the risk of being dismantled, a possibility hinted at by Vice President J.D. Vance during a speech in Paris.

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