UK AI minister warns cyber defences are vulnerable
Britain’s AI minister has warned that a compromise of the nation’s cyber defences is “likely, if not inevitable,” while setting out fresh initiatives aimed at preparing the country for major threats involving autonomous agents, reports BritPanorama.
Kanishka Narayan urged tech developers to “build machines that leave us human beings in charge” as the world crosses the threshold into “the age of superintelligence.”
Delivering his first address since his post was elevated to Cabinet level, he confirmed that scientists at the UK’s AI Security Institute are evaluating advanced systems, including Google’s Gemini, to guarantee “robust safeguards.”
This follows successful lobbying by the minister to overturn a White House ban restricting UK access to cutting-edge models from major US firms, including Anthropic and OpenAI.
Google had previously limited access to Gemini to a vetted group of cybersecurity specialists to prevent misuse by hackers, but Narayan confirmed it would be “rigorously” tested by British researchers.
The British government is also considering options to reinforce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and broader framework to ensure vital services like hospitals and utilities are shielded from emerging risks, he added.
At a press conference in west London, Mr Narayan pointed to an incident in Australia earlier this year, in which a rogue OpenAI agent hacked a government website and accessed private data.
“The Australian government has said that no personal medical records are known to have been accessed, and there is no evidence of wider compromise, but the incident should concern us,” he said.
The minister reiterated his concerns, stating, “It seems likely, if not inevitable, that our own cyber defences will be breached.”
He emphasised the need for the government to be prepared to put into “swift action” measures to ensure machines develop in the right way.
“As we cross the threshold into the age of superintelligence, the choices we make now matter… we must build machines that serve us,” Mr Narayan said.
“Machines that help scientists discover new medicines, machines that give care workers more time with the people who depend on them, machines that help British businesses become more productive. Above all, machines that leave us human beings in charge.”
When asked about the alignment with the US regarding AI governance, Mr Narayan affirmed that the UK would continue to prioritise working with its allies.
He stated, “The big picture for me is of course we have to work internationally, but that government-level measures were ‘an important part of the toolkit.’”
“We’re keeping the British public safe… where aligned, good, but where we need to go further to keep the British public safe, we will continue to do so,” he added.
Experts have warned that AI could wipe out humanity within the near future if a race between companies to create self-improving superintelligence is allowed to progress unchecked.
Microsoft boss Brad Smith noted the necessity for global safety rules, indicating that current regulations are less stringent than those for everyday items. He stated that leading frontier AI firms will appear before MPs on Tuesday amid growing concerns regarding safety.
In submissions to the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee, OpenAI called for governments to develop rules and safeguards for what it described as “the new chapter” in AI capabilities, insisting that no entity can address the challenges alone.
Similarly, Anthropic underscored the need for government intervention in establishing regulations for frontier AI models, affirming that rapid technological advancements should not be governed solely by the industry.
Meta warned that “the opportunities and challenges” stemming from superintelligence would surpass anything previously encountered.
Committee chairman Liam Byrne highlighted the potential ramifications of inadequately regulated AI, posing threats from super-criminal codes that could harm public safety.
The Liberal Democrats voiced their concerns, arguing that the government had “failed to rise to the occasion” in light of the perils associated with AI, and called for an immediate pause on the development of superintelligence.
Victoria Collins MP, spokesperson for technology, emphasised the need for a coordinated global effort to address AI safety, urging the creation of a non-proliferation treaty as the UK aims to position itself prominently in AI governance.
