AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will gain a prominent position in the government, as the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) faces abolition.
Established by the Conservative Sunak government in 2023, DSIT’s functions will now be distributed among various government departments.
This change implies there will be no dedicated technology secretary following Liz Kendall’s dismissal by the newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Mr. Narayan, chosen by Sir Keir Starmer, emphasized that the new prime minister’s invitation to join his cabinet as AI minister reflects “a deep commitment to the significance of AI”.
Originally from India and raised in Cardiff, Mr. Narayan entered Parliament as the Member for Vale of Glamorgan in 2024, following a career in both government and business.
As the Permanent Secretary of State under Sir Keir Starmer, he oversaw AI initiatives, the AI Security Institute, semiconductor strategies, and online safety measures.
He is anticipated to maintain oversight of these critical areas, albeit in the absence of Kendall’s guidance.
“AI represents one of the most transformative technologies in human history, its influence surpassing all others,” Narayan stated in a post on X early Tuesday morning. Read more here., external.
“Incredible outcomes await us: revitalizing Britain, enhancing national security, and elevating public services.”
However, he also cautioned that AI carries significant risks for the public, remarking, “The British public rightly expresses concerns regarding employment and the rapid pace of change.”
Dom Harras, chairman of the Startup Coalition technology industry group, stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in technology development as DSIT is dissolved.
He asserted that while past industries have laid a solid groundwork, the focus now should be on expanding the adoption of AI technology by both the government and the general public.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk