AI revolution 'at risk of being stifled in UK by fear-driven backlash'

Artificial intelligence promises an even bigger revolution than the internet yet could be stifled in the UK by a fear-driven public backlash, according to a leading scientist and broadcaster. Prof Jim Al-Khalili, a physicist and the incoming president of the British Science Association, warns that without greater transparency and public engagement the full potential of AI may not be realised. In the absence of concerted action by academics, the government and industry, the rapidly advancing technology could end up "uncontrolled and unregulated" in the hands of a few supremely powerful companies, he says. Previewing his presidential address at this year's British Science festival in Hull, which begins next week, Khalili spoke of the dream and dangers of AI. He said the UK was at the forefront of the technology, which is predicted to contribute up to $15tn (£11.7tn) to the global economy by 2030.