What are the opportunities and risks of Large Language Models?
The Communications and Digital Committee holds two evidence sessions on Large Language Models (LLMs). The first session with industry leaders focuses on the benefits of LLMs to the UK economy and society. The second session with businesses and academic experts focuses on immediate risks, examines the case for catastrophic risk, and explores wider challenges the technology poses.
Meeting details
Background
The Committee is looking at large language models and what needs to happen over the next 1–3 years to ensure the UK can respond to their opportunities and risks. Large language models are a form of generative AI which has seen significant advances in capability in recent years, including the development of OpenAI’s GPT-3 and GPT-4 models.
Possible areas for discussion
Possible areas for discussion with witnesses in the first evidence session include how businesses are adapting to LLMs and looking to take advantage of the opportunities they provide. This will include discussion on whether the UK investment landscape is set up to support the development of the technology in this country, the extent of economic benefits, barriers to progress, and the effect LLMs are likely to have on jobs.
Possible areas for discussion with witnesses in the second evidence session focus on risks from AI including an exploration of limited, catastrophic and existential risks, disinformation, cybersecurity, societal and economic harm; how well these risks are understood; and how they can be mitigated by government and industry.