New office for AI to 'explore opportunities'

Establishing an office focusing on Artificial Intelligence aims to "balance the opportunity" of the technology with "making sure it is used appropriately", the executive heading up the project has said.

The government has launched the National Office for Artificial Intelligence (AI), which aims to educate people on the tool, and empower businesses and individuals to utilise it.

Establishing the office has seen £1m drawn down from the Economic Strategy Fund, which would be used for training, awareness, literacy and engagement with industry.

Chief executive of Digital Isle of Man, Lyle Wraxall, said it was important to "make sure people know how to use AI responsibly and ethically".

The office would see the three existing Digital Isle of Man staff provide a focal point for national co-ordination and policy development.

It would also provide advice on adopting AI, the risks associated with the technology, and the opportunities it offered for the island.

"It's balancing the opportunity and the need for us as a country to embrace it to move forward, and to remain competitive but make sure we do that in the appropriate way," Wraxall said.

The office would also work to drive improvement in public services delivery and efficiency, the government said.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said people were often concerned about what the technology was going to mean for the future of the workforce and the availability of jobs going forward.

"The way that businesses deploy people and productivity will change," he said, "but it would not necessarily lead to job losses, as it would likely lead to redeployment."

However, he said it was important to "understand and recognise that potential challenge".

"Education is key to this, people are scared of AI, they are unsure of it, but through education they can understand it and see the opportunities as well," he added.

Launching the office, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said there was "no doubt that artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy and society".

"The National AI Office will enable us to respond to that change in collaboration with industry, recognising that public and private sectors must work in lockstep if we are to realise the full benefits of this rapid technological change," he added.

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