On June 20th, Queen Mary hosted a landmark discussion on AI policy, launching the Policy Forum of the Harvard Data Science Review's special issue, "Future Shock: Grappling with the Generative AI Revolution."
Leading thinkers from around the world convened to identify and tackle the ethical and policy challenges posed by the explosive rise of GenAI. Referencing Alvin Toffler’s influential 1970 book Future Shock, the event asked: “Has the meteoric rise of generative AI (GenAI) triggered ‘future shock’ – a societal struggle to adapt to the breakneck pace of change?”
The event, led by Queen Mary University of London’s Professor David Leslie (Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI) and The Alan Turing Institute), featured a range of thought-provoking insights from leading figures in the field:
Professor David Leslie and researchers from The Alan Turing Institute's Ethics and Responsible Innovation team also unveiled a new interactive platform and workbooks. This initiative aims to empower the public sector to develop and implement responsible AI practices.
The event concluded with a call for a global response to GenAI. Answering questions from the audience, panelists stressed the need for international cooperation, investment in AI safety research, and regulations that prioritise public good. David Leslie highlighted the "problem of dual use" – the potential weaponisation of GenAI – as an area demanding immediate attention.
Queen Mary's forum served as a springboard for further dialogue and action. As GenAI continues to evolve, a global conversation around responsible development and deployment is more critical than ever.
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