Don't be afraid of AI, says government's new chief scientific advisor

Experts must ensure the public doesn't become anxious about artificial intelligence like they are GM crops, the government's new Chief Scientific Advisor has warned. Professor Dame Angela McLean said she is an'AI optimist' but that public acceptability of new technologies is'very important'. She was quizzed on her thoughts regarding AI at a Science, Innovation and Technology committee. When asked about the first global summit on AI, which the UK will host later this year, she said: 'One of the things that I really hope will be on the agenda – as well as the very technical things – is that there will be a discussion about public acceptability because I think that's very important. 'Remember what happened with GM crops?