Speaking as the UK Government hosted an AI Safety Summit, Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“We are working to make Scotland a world leader in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a way which is trustworthy, ethical and inclusive.
“Our universities’ AI research and teaching is already world-class and we are determined to remain at the forefront of AI policy and technology development.
“While this summit appears to have a narrow focus on the long-term threat so-called frontier AI could pose to global security and doomsday scenarios, we should not lose sight of the more immediate risks such as misinformation and cyber security, nor the potential transformational benefits ethical AI can deliver to global society and the Scottish economy.
“I am disappointed the Scottish Government is not represented at the summit, despite requesting a place along with other devolved administrations, but I welcome assurances I was given at my meeting with the Secretary of State Michelle Donelan to discuss this issue where she committed to closely engage with the Scottish Government going forward.
“I hope this happens.
“Given the impact of AI regulation on devolved areas, and the likelihood implementation of regulation will be in the hands of Scottish agencies, Scotland’s interests and priorities need to be taken into account.”
