The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee has today
published a new Call for Evidence on AI large language models.
Large language models (LLMs) are a type of generative AI that can
produce text, code and translations. There have been significant
advances in the capabilities of LLMs: Open AI’s Chat GPT recently
highlighted how far these models have progressed in producing
content that is hard to distinguish from that produced by humans.
There is growing excitement and concern about their disruptive
potential. Goldman Sachs predict that generative AI could add up
to $7 trillion to the global economy over 10 years. The same
report predicted 300 million existing jobs could be lost to AI,
while new jobs are created.
There are growing calls for better safeguards, standards and
regulatory approaches that promote innovation whilst managing
risks. The UK Government published a White Paper on AI regulation
in March.
The Communications and Digital Committee is inviting written
evidence to inform its new inquiry. It will examine what needs to
happen over the next 1–3 years to ensure the UK can respond to
the risks and opportunities posed by LLMs.
The full Call for Evidence can be found online here. The deadline for
submitting written evidence is 5 September.
, Chair of the
Committee, said:
“The latest large language models present enormous and
unprecedented opportunities. Early indications suggest seismic
and exciting changes are ahead.
“But we need to be clear-eyed about the challenges. We have to
investigate the risks in detail and work out how best to address
them – without stifling innovation in the process. We also need
to be clear about who wields power as these models develop and
become embedded in daily business and personal lives.
“This thinking needs to happen fast, given the breakneck speed of
progress. We mustn’t let the most scary of predictions about the
potential future power of AI distract us from understanding and
tackling the most pressing concerns early on. Equally we must not
jump to conclusions amid the hype.
“Our inquiry will therefore take a sober look at the evidence
across the UK and around the world, and set out proposals to the
Government and regulators to help ensure the UK can be a leading
player in AI development and governance.”
Question the Committee are inviting evidence on
include:
- How will LLMs develop over the next three years? What are the
greatest opportunities and risks?
- How adequately does the AI White Paper (alongside other
Government policy) deal with LLMs? Is a tailored regulatory
approach needed?
- Do the UK’s regulators have sufficient expertise and
resources to respond to LLMs? If not, what should be done
to address this?
- How does the UK’s approach compare with that of other
jurisdictions, notably the EU, US and China? Will there need to
be international coordination in the regulation of AI?
Notes to Editors
- For more information and the full call for evidence please
see the Committee’s webpage
