The UK government has announced plans to establish a national AI Biosecurity Laboratory (AIBL) to improve the country’s defenses against emerging biological threats. The initiative is part of a wider package of measures covering cyber, biological and artificial intelligence risks, including £100 million for new “world-first” laboratories and £200 million in AI model credits from OpenAI and Anthropic.
As part of Wednesday’s Budget, the government said the new laboratories would be developed with support from leading AI companies. The Prime Minister will also commit millions of pounds to initiatives intended to strengthen the UK’s ability to respond to evolving cyber, biological and AI threats.
“AI will transform everyday life. Every business, every community, every hospital, every school, and every aspect of the economy can benefit,” said John Healy.
“I understand and share the concerns of working people, so I am delivering a uniquely British approach to AI.
“It will ensure that the benefits of AI-powered growth are felt across the country, while leaving no workers behind and protecting the national interest.”
Details of the laboratory remain unclear
Full details of the new laboratory’s role and mandate have not yet been announced.
However, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan described it as a “major new global body” that would bring together “world-leading scientific expertise” to help ensure the UK could protect its people and targets as AI advances.
“This means building out more critical technologies on which our security depends, while staying ahead of emerging threats, from cyber-attacks to biological risks,” he said.
“By supporting British science, advanced chips and homegrown AI companies, we can strengthen national security, rebuild Britain’s industrial strength and create good, skilled jobs across the country.”
The AI Biosecurity Laboratory will also receive support from leading AI developers. OpenAI and Anthropic are providing £200 million worth of AI model credits for use with their models.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk