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21 August 2024news

Airmic: AI cyber code of practice should be compulsory

The UK government’s draft Code of Practice on AI cyber security should be made compulsory, according to 74% of respondents in this week’s Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Industry and Commerce (Airmic)’s Big Question. 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been seeking views from industry on the code, which it conceived to be adopted on a voluntary basis, and which will form a new global standard. Given how rapidly AI has evolved and how it has been embedded, DSIT developed the code based on the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Guidelines for secure AI system development, to ensure cyber security will underpin AI safety.

“The code will provide much needed steer in AI as sought by Airmic members and the UK and international organisations they serve,” said Julia Graham, chief executive of Airmic. “Airmic is also supportive of the UK government’s efforts to align AI regulations and standards with international standards, though that should not come at the expense of a pro-business, pro-innovation approach to AI for the UK.”

Respondents in the survey said the code needs to be made compulsory, because AI is already being used in misinformation and disinformation campaigns, presenting clear threats to democratic societies.

Hoe-Yeong Loke, Head of Research, Airmic, said: “There always tends to be a tension between regulation and innovation when it comes to emerging technologies such as AI. While recognising that codes of practice such as DSIT’s may need to be updated as AI continues to develop, risk professionals believe the ethical risks from AI call for some measure of standard practice across industry.”

In partnership with the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre at the University of Oxford, Airmic held a roundtable in early August to solicit views on DSIT’s draft code, following which it made a submission to the government.

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