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LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

AI will not be mass destroyer of jobs - Bank chief

The Bank of England's chief, Andrew Bailey, assured that AI will not lead to widespread job losses. Workers will adapt to collaborate with technology, thus potentially enhancing productivity, as businesses have been investing heavily in AI.

02 February 2024 · 06:00 UTC

Governor Bailey, with a background in economic history, believes that machines paired with human intelligence yield better outcomes and remains optimistic about the future of work amidst technological advancements.

Businesses report that AI integration has helped manage labor costs effectively in the current tight job market. Meanwhile, the House of Lords urges a focus on the benefits of AI over its hypothetical threats, cautioning against missing out on the "AI goldrush." Their committee emphasizes that dire predictions about AI are often overstated.

Particular attention is given to large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, which have sparked imagination as well as safety concerns. The UK, having hosted the inaugural AI Safety Summit and advocating for responsible AI development, also seeks to maintain a competitive edge in this field.

Copyright issues emerge with AI tools using existing digital content without clear permissions. Getty Images' lawsuit against Stability AI highlights the urgency in establishing clear legal guidelines for AI applications.

The Lords committee is pushing for governmental clarity and action to balance safety with innovation. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology will soon address these concerns.

The government maintains the UK is at the forefront of AI research and development, investing in AI's promise for sectors like healthcare and education while emphasizing the importance of both AI safety and a conducive regulatory environment for innovation.