We must heed warnings of AI tech developers, says UK minister

The UK government must "heed the warnings" of "those who are at the forefront" of developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a senior minister will say later.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh will address the growing anxiety over AI safety when she speaks at the TUC congress on Tuesday.

She is expected to say the government is "ready to work with international partners" to prioritise public safety and national security.

Fears about the potential dangers of AI have ramped up in recent days after executives and current and former staff in the field warned the tech could endanger humanity.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed the recent discussion of the risks, with his spokesperson saying: "It's a good thing that the companies developing the most advanced AI systems are now talking openly about the risks as well as the opportunities."

Speaking at the TUC congress later on Tuesday, Haigh is also expected to acknowledge the benefits, saying: "AI has enormous potential to transform our public services, make our businesses stronger and deliver new scientific breakthroughs."

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said people should "never be complacent" about the impact AI might have but "we've got to be careful not to get hyperbolic about this either".

"Of course there are risks but, let's be frank, there are some tremendous upsides, whether it's public services, healthcare, the contribution to the economy," he added.