Summary:
- Jade Leung has been appointed as the new AI adviser to the UK Prime Minister, succeeding Matt Clifford.
- She will focus on capturing the benefits of transformative AI while preparing for its risks, aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change.
- Leung’s background includes working at OpenAI and co-founding the Centre for the Governance of AI at the University of Oxford.
Article:
Jade Leung Appointed as UK Prime Minister’s New AI Adviser
Jade Leung, the Chief Technology Officer at the AI Security Institute (AISI), has recently been named as the new AI adviser to the UK Prime Minister, taking over from Matt Clifford who stepped down from the position in June. In her new role, Leung will be responsible for advising on how the UK can harness the benefits of transformative AI while also preparing for the potential risks that come with it. This aligns with the Government’s Plan for Change, and she will report directly to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, splitting her time between Downing Street and AISI.
The appointment of Leung comes at a crucial time as the government transitions from strategy to implementation of its AI Opportunities Action Plan. This program aims to enhance growth and productivity in the public sector through AI, supported by long-term reforms in computing, data, and planning, including the establishment of data centers. One of the initial focuses of the plan is to expand state-backed AI computing resources and improve access to high-quality datasets for both research and industry purposes.
With a background that includes roles at OpenAI and co-founding the Centre for the Governance of AI at the University of Oxford, Leung brings a wealth of experience in governance and policy within the AI sector. She holds a DPhil from Oxford and was a Rhodes Scholar, further solidifying her expertise in this field. Leung’s appointment comes as she replaces Matt Clifford, who played a key role in shaping the AI Opportunities Action Plan before stepping down for personal reasons earlier this year. Clifford’s responsibilities included driving the adoption of AI in the public sector and outlining the UK’s long-term AI infrastructure.
As global interest in AI safety and governance continues to grow, Leung’s experience and expertise are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the UK Government’s AI policy moving forward. Her new position as the Prime Minister’s AI adviser highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging AI technology for the benefit of society while mitigating potential risks.
