AI Minister, Meta and Microsoft questioned on AI human rights threats
The Joint Committee on Human Rights holds the final evidence sessions of its inquiry into human rights and the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)
Meeting details
One year on from the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Government has re-stated its ambition to make the UK a major player in AI development, including increased adoption in public and private sectors. However, concerns have been raised that there has been insufficient focus on what measures will need to be in place to protect against risks to human rights before AI systems are implemented and deployed more widely, particularly as such systems can cause harm at a high scale.
The Committee will question Minister for AI, Kanisha Narayan MP on why the Government’s position is that AI should be regulated “at the point of use” and how his department has worked with regulators in the UK to ensure human rights will be protected when AI is used. Freshly returned from the AI Impact Summit in India, Minister Narayan may be asked about the UK’s approach to international relations and be pressed on the success of key AI projects at home, such as the Sovereign AI Unit and the AI Security Institute. Committee Members may also examine how risks related to using AI in decision making can be mitigated and whether the current legal and regulatory framework provides effective ways for people to seek remedy from AI harms.
Ahead of this, the Committee will also take evidence from Meta and Microsoft, two of the world’s biggest tech companies and leading investors in AI development. The Committee will examine how the companies view their responsibilities for ensuring AI does not damage human rights. This will include what safeguards they have in place during software development and end use. It will also explore whether there is sufficient transparency in where AI Is being used and adequate opportunities for individuals to opt out of AI systems and applications.