US Tech Giant Initiates AI Charm Offensive with Introductory Courses to Empower UK Firms in Harnessing Emerging Technology
Michelle Donelan, the UK science and innovation secretary, appears on a large screen at Google’s London headquarters. She commends the US tech giant for its initiative to provide essential AI skills to workers and employers. Donelan highlights the recent surge in AI tool usage, such as ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, signaling a promising era that will significantly enhance people’s lives. In a five-minute video filmed in her ministerial office, she praises Google’s “ambitious” and “exceptionally comprehensive” training program, emphasizing its vital importance.
The AI arms race is in full swing, with countries competing to attract investments and research in this burgeoning technology. Google’s involvement is seen as a strong endorsement of the UK’s potential, aligning with the government’s goal to establish the country as a leading hub for AI. Michelle Donelan expresses confidence in the UK’s approach and the enthusiastic welcome provided by Rishi Sunak’s government, especially in its efforts to entice tech firms and AI companies with exceptional treatment.
Google’s educational courses focus on the fundamental aspects of AI, aiming to equip individuals, businesses, and organizations with essential skills in this emerging technology.
The tuition comprises ten modules covering various topics, presented in 45-minute sessions. Two modules, which delve into growing productivity and understanding machine learning, have already been made available.
The courses offered are basic and designed to introduce individuals to AI, with no prior technical knowledge required, according to Google.
The first course at Google’s King’s Cross offices in London saw around 50 attendees, including small business owners. Interestingly, the new £1bn UK HQ, with its rooftop exercise trail and pool, is being constructed just across the road from the location.
The UK serves as the starting point for this training, especially considering it is home to Google’s AI research subsidiary, DeepMind. Google has plans to expand the training to other countries in the future. DeepMind, co-founded by Demis Hassabis in 2011, who was a child chess prodigy, was acquired by Google in 2014 for £400m. Now operating under the new title Google DeepMind, it plays a significant role in Google’s AI development. Notably, DeepMind has been involved in various governmental projects, including a controversial partnership with the NHS to develop apps for monitoring kidney infections, and Demis Hassabis providing advice to the government during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company’s report emphasized the shortage of tech skills in the UK, which might hinder the growth of businesses.
However, the report seemed to downplay the potential negative aspects of AI, such as the displacement of jobs in various sectors. Attendees of the initial presentations were primarily interested in understanding fundamental aspects, like AI’s ability to assist in tasks like email responses and appointment bookings.
Google’s charm offensive could be seen as a response to the widespread concerns about the rapid AI expansion and its potential to disrupt the job market and the entire Silicon Valley landscape.
There are more pressing issues that demand people’s attention, such as privacy, security, and data concerns, all of which might be overlooked when tech firms promote the use and experimentation of AI.
Politicians are becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with AI. Lucy Powell, Labour’s digital spokesperson, recently proposed that technology developers should be licensed before working on advanced AI tools, drawing parallels to the licensing requirements for medicines and nuclear power, which are regulated by independent governmental bodies. Both major political parties, while recognizing the potential benefits of AI, are also intrigued by the possibilities it presents. For instance, Sir Keir Starmer held a shadow cabinet meeting at Google’s London office, and AI was a focal point in the recent speeches of both the Labour leader and Rishi Sunak during London Tech Week.
Globally, governments, including the UK’s, are grappling with the challenge of balancing the benefits of tech firms like Google upskilling their workforce with the need to control and regulate these companies.
Notably, Rishi Sunak’s stance on AI has shifted in recent months, as he now plans to host a global summit focusing on safety in this nascent technology, with the intention of positioning the UK as the international hub for AI regulation.
The rapid implementation of AI chatbots and other tools has sparked concerns among managers in the UK, who fear potential job losses and the associated risks to security and privacy.
According to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), 43% of managers expressed worry about the possibility of jobs being at risk due to AI technologies. Surprisingly, only 7% of managers said that employees in their organizations were adequately trained on AI, even for prominent tools like ChatGPT.
During the training launch, Anthony Painter, the CMI’s director of policy, engaged with a group of Google executives and small business representatives. He acknowledged that AI presents significant opportunities, but also comes with substantial risks, necessitating a careful approach.
Painter further highlighted that many businesses lack the practical skills required to effectively adopt AI. He suggested that it might be beneficial to proceed cautiously while establishing a regulatory framework that addresses ethics and skills in practical terms.
