People and organisations urged to submit evidence to AI committee

The select committee on artificial intelligence has been appointed to consider the economic, ethical and social implications of advances in AI, and now wants written evidence from people and organisations interested in the issue.

The focus of the committee’s inquiry includes: the current state of AI; the pace of technological change and the development of AI; the impact of AI on society; and the public perception of AI.

It also aims to focus on: the sectors most, and least likely, to benefit from AI; the data-based monopolies of some large corporations; the ethical implications of AI; the role of the government; and the work of other countries or international organisations.

Lord Clement-Jones, chairman of the committee, said: "This inquiry comes at a time when AI is increasingly seizing the attention of industry, policymakers and the general public. The committee wants to use this inquiry to understand what opportunities exist for society in the development and use of AI, as well as what risks there might be.

“We are looking to be pragmatic in our approach, and want to make sure our recommendations to government and others will be practical and sensible. There are significant questions to address relevant to both the present and the future, and we want to help inform the answers to them. To do this, we need the help of the widest range of people and organisations.

“If you are interested in artificial intelligence and any of its aspects, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in public policy, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in any of the issues raised by our call for evidence, we want to hear from you."

The deadline for submitting evidence is 6 September 2017. The committee will begin taking oral evidence in the autumn, and will report on their findings by 31 March 2018.