Don’t be afraid of AI, says government’s new chief scientific advisor

Experts must ensure that the public does not worry about artificial intelligence as if it were genetically modified crops, the government’s new Chief Scientific Advisor warned.

Professor Dame Angela McLean said she is an “AI optimist” but that public acceptance of new technologies is “very important”.

She was questioned about her opinion on AI in a science, innovation and technology committee.

When asked about the first global summit on AI, which will be held in the UK later this year, she said: “One of the things that I really hope will be on the agenda – alongside the very technical stuff – is that there is a discussion about public acceptability because I think that’s very important.

‘Do you remember what happened to GMO crops? Let’s not do that again.’

When asked about the first world summit on AI, which will be held in the UK later this year, she said: ‘Remember what happened with GM crops? Let’s not do that again’

The cultivation of genetically modified crops has exploded since they were introduced to consumers in the mid-1990s.

However, public perception is plagued by concerns about safety, concerns about health risks, effects on the environment and what can happen if nature is tampered with.

Concerns may stem from the fact that the capabilities of AI are “evolving very quickly,” Dame Angela said.

“I think a lot of people feel a little bit anxious about the sense of amazement from people who have built the most recent generation of AI models about how capable they are,” she said.

‘And that is something different from what we normally expect from engineers.

‘Normally we expect an engineer to build something and then to know exactly what he can and can’t do.

“So I think that rightly prompted reflection. So I think now is a good time for us to focus on safety.

‘I really want it not to be at the expense of delivery and operation.’

Despite concerns, she said she remains an “AI optimist,” adding that making AI work well for the public and within government will “occupy all of us for the rest of our lives.”

“I think AI is an absolutely fundamental assistive technology,” she added. “I think it’s pretty hard for all of us to comprehend how much it’s going to change our lives.

“Sometimes you just have to stop and think how much it has already changed our lives. Lots of things that used to be difficult are now just really easy.

“And I honestly think it’s only just begun. I think our lives will change in many ways, most of them for the better.”