These findings come from a survey conducted in May by YouGov on behalf of Appraise. A representative sample of over 100 MPs was asked to answer a series of questions relating to AI and governance.

When it comes to those who are confident, the data shows a minuscule party divide: 7% of Conservative MPs agreed that existing regulators have the expertise needed, while this number was 6% for Labour.

However, overall, the research shows that 69% — more than two-thirds — do not have confidence in existing regulators to govern AI.

The data also shows that while 44% of MPs are optimistic rather than pessimistic about AI – just 27% feel the other way – they are yet to fully grasp the subject. Just under a quarter (23%) of MPs say they understand the implications of AI.

Furthermore, the survey uncovered that 45% of MPs think AI is developing too fast, with 22% disagreeing with this statement. Relatedly, 60% of MPs said they prioritise safety in the rollout of AI, but 14% said they prioritise innovation and growth.

On the survey’s findings, Aidan Muller, one of the two co-founders of Appraise, said: “AI is going to be truly transformative for society. Understandably, our government and policymakers are still getting to grips with its implications. But we need more proactivity than a wait-and-see approach.

“We need an extensive public dialogue informed by deep expertise, and we need it sharp. Existing regulators don’t have the required expertise, and it seems MPs are aware of this.

“We don’t want AI to just be shaped by companies who may prioritise innovation over societal concerns. The health of our democracy is at stake. But also, we don’t want knee-jerk policymaking governed by fear.

“We’re calling for an informed debate in which all stakeholders can take part. This is an opportunity for us to shape the AI that we want, for the society we deserve.”

James Boyd-Wallis, Appraise’s other co-founder, also said that “We need greater debate about what is safe and what is not and strike a balance between the upsides and the downsides. That’s the only way we’ll get effective policy, informed by evidence, that supports a vibrant AI sector and our society more broadly.”

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How should AI be regulated? What does too much regulation look like? Similarly, what is too little regulation? These are the questions governments across the world are debating amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

This time two weeks ago — on June 8 — Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the UK will host the “first” global summit on AI safety this autumn. However, concerning the profound impact that AI can have across myriad aspects of society, whether this date is too late or not does come into question.

Speaking of AI policy and regulation, last week, ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Leader of the Opposition William Hague released a report titled A New National Purpose: AI Promises a World-Leading Future of Britain. In it, they lambasted the government’s current AI bodies, suggesting that a more expert AI advisory is needed moving forward.

James Phillips, who’s a co-author of the report — and also a previous science and technology advisor at 10 Downing Street — took to Twitter to say the following on the report and the perceived lack of AI advisory expertise.

We highlight that existing government advisory channels and systems for AI have failed for AI. Whilst industry figures have warned in private of the rapid pace of change, the government has been blindsided. Existing institutions have not oriented to this agenda effectively. pic.twitter.com/2YQ2xFAON5

— James W. Phillips (@AnEmergentI) June 13, 2023