A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the UK and US, which will see the countries collaboratively develop tests for the most advanced AI systems amid their rapid development.

Following on commitments made at the AI Safety Summit last November, technology secretary Michelle Donelan and US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo signed the agreement yesterday (Monday 1st April).

The partnership will see both countries working to align their scientific approaches, and collaborating to accelerate and iterate on suites of evaluations for AI models, systems, and agents.

Both countries’ respective AI Safety Institutes have laid out their plans, sharing key information about the capabilities and risks associated with AI models and systems, as well as fundamental technical research on AI safety and security.

The partnership will take effect immediately, with the governments saying that they “recognise the need to act now.”

Speaking on the MoU, Michelle Donelan said: “This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation.

“We have always been clear that ensuring the safe development of AI is a shared global issue. Only by working together can we address the technology’s risks head on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives.

“The work of our two nations in driving forward AI safety will strengthen the foundations we laid at Bletchley Park in November, and I have no doubt that our shared expertise will continue to pave the way for countries tapping into AI’s enormous benefits safely and responsibly.”

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Gina Raimondo, the United States secretary of commerce, added further: “AI is the defining technology of our generation. This partnership is going to accelerate both of our Institutes’ work across the full spectrum of risks, whether to our national security or to our broader society.

“Our partnership makes clear that we aren’t running away from these concerns – we’re running at them. Because of our collaboration, our Institutes will gain a better understanding of AI systems, conduct more robust evaluations, and issue more rigorous guidance.

“By working together, we are furthering the long-lasting special relationship between the U.S. and UK and laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re keeping AI safe both now and in the future.”

The two countries have also committed to develop similar partnerships with other countries across the world to promote global AI safety.