74% WANT AI CODE TO BE COMPULSORY

An overwhelming 74% of respondents in this week’s Airmic Big Question said the UK government’s draft Code of Practice on AI cyber security should be made compulsory. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been seeking views from industry on the code, which it conceived to be adopted on a voluntary basis, and which will form a new global standard. Given how rapidly AI has evolved and how it has been embedded, DSIT developed the code based on the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Guidelines for secure AI system development, to ensure cyber security will underpin AI safety.

Julia Graham, CEO of Airmic, said: “The code will provide much needed steer in AI as sought by Airmic members and the UK and international organisations they serve. Airmic is also supportive of the UK government’s efforts to align AI regulations and standards with international standards, though that should not come at the expense of a pro-business, pro-innovation approach to AI for the UK.”

Respondents in the survey said the code needs to be made compulsory, because AI is already being used in misinformation and disinformation campaigns, presenting clear threats to democratic societies.

Hoe-Yeong Loke, Head of Research, Airmic, said: “There always tends to be a tension between regulation and innovation when it comes to emerging technologies such as AI. While recognising that codes of practice such as DSIT’s may need to be updated as AI continues to develop, risk professionals believe the ethical risks from AI call for some measure of standard practice across industry.”

In partnership with the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC) at the University of Oxford, Airmic held a roundtable in early August to solicit views on DSIT’s draft code, following which it made a submission to the government.

Leigh-Anne Slade, Head of Media, Communications and Interest Groups, Airmic, said: “Airmic wants to be a voice for the profession, especially on a topic such as AI which has dominated discussions with our members through our special interest groups. We will continue our engagement with the government and with standard setters, as their work in this critically important space develops.”

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We will be sharing the results of the Airmic Big Question with the press weekly.

You can also find the results here.

Media contact: Leigh Anne Slade
Head of Media, Communications and Interest Groups, Airmic
Leigh-Anne.Slade@Airmic.com
07956 41 78 77