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Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 September 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 September 2022. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 September 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Artificial Intelligence

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what mechanisms they are considering for compliance or oversight of the use of artificial intelligence in defence; and, in particular, whether mechanisms they are considering include (1) an internal artificial intelligence regulator, (2) the conversion of the principles included in the Defence Artificial Intelligence Strategy, published on 15 June, to specific standards and procedures, and (3) a means to ensure that weapons systems developed, acquired or deployed by the Ministry of Defence comply with any such standards and procedures.

Answer

The internal regulation and governance of standards for AI use in Defence are currently subject to extensive work across the Department. Officials and military colleagues are developing frameworks to assess risk and ensure compliance, across the full spectrum of AI functionality.

Key aspects of this will include requiring Front-Line Commands and equivalent organisations within Defence to appoint 'Accountable Officers' ensuring oversight for AI activity and developing the capacity of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre to provide technical oversight and coordinated advice to all units across Defence. We are exploring how the Defence Safety Authority will consider AI within the wider issues across its current remit as the existing independent safety regulator.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2088
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Defence Artificial intelligence Autonomous weapons
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk