The Bishop of Oxford has used his final speech in the House of Lords to warn of risks to society posed by the accelerating speed of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development.
Rt Rev Steven Croft who is retiring after 13 years as diocesan bishop, said while there were “many gains” from new technology, there were also risks to mental health, social cohesion, truth, and patterns of work and distribution of power:
“The speed of change, and the significant power unleashed, make this revolution distinct from other technical developments in the past, because there is a risk that the speed of change will itself undermine the very benefits that change brings.
“There is simply no time for public trust and confidence to grow, and you have heard of the growing public awareness of risk and the desire that something be done.”
Bishop Steven said there was an urgent need for a “clear standard and statement of intent” from the government, asserting sovereignty for governments over the implementation of new technologies, that was “ethically shaped and in the interests of our whole society”.
He added that countries need to work together to act on the issue:
“The most important part of a building is its foundation, the most vital part of a boat in a storm is the keel giving stability in the water. As the world navigates the transition to the age of AI, we will need more than ever before the values and ethics of our common tradition, rooted in centuries of Christian faith and practice. AI can be a tool for the common good, a source of great benefit, but only if governments remain sovereign.”
Bishop Steven was speaking in a debate on national sovereignty and digital and technology policy. Responding on behalf of the House of Lords, Lib Dem peer Clement Jones paid tribute to Bishop Steven describing him as an “influential and instrumental voice” in the Lords on AI:
"It is very fitting that his last contribution to this House should be in a debate on digital sovereignty. With his insights, collaborative spirit, friendship, and enduring dedication to ethical innovation and policy making, he will be greatly missed."