AI surged into the mainstream media spotlight in 2023, permeating nearly every sector of the economy and society, sparking discussions far and wide. Initially greeted with enthusiasm, platforms like ChatGPT saw unprecedented adoption rates, reaching a staggering 100 million users within a mere two months. However, this initial excitement soon gave way to cautionary voices and serious warnings from industry and academic experts. Whether met with enthusiasm, ambivalence, or outright fear, the rise of AI left no doubt: the proverbial genie had been let out of the bottle. Now, the imperative lies in thoughtful consideration of how we choose to harness and regulate this technology, as well as how we collaborate to navigate its implications on a global scale.
In crafting regulatory frameworks for globally impactful technologies like AI, it’s important to adopt a contextual approach that takes into account the unique circumstances, environments, and regulatory philosophies of each country or region. In pursuit of this understanding, we conducted interviews across three distinct geopolitical contexts: the UK, United States, and India. Our conversations spanned a range of considerations, ranging from identifying key challenges to assessing current approaches at both national and international levels, with the aim of exploring how countries can work together better to regulate AI.
Our interviewees have varied professional backgrounds but share a deep interest and expertise in technology, with a particular focus on AI.
Firstly, Shelly Palmer brings invaluable knowledge and insights into the expansion of AI, not only in the North American market but also on a global scale. With a strong academic background in communications coupled with extensive commercial consultancy experience in media and communications for Fortune 500 companies, his perspective offers a fascinating insight into the possibilities, challenges, and misconceptions surrounding AI. He questions the feasibility of regulation and challenges whether we are focusing on the right issues.
Kate Davies is Public Policy Director at Ofcom, where her role extends to representing Ofcom on the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF). With a primary focus on collaborative efforts with other regulators both domestically and globally, Kate is dedicated to shaping effective communication regulation strategies, especially in light of technological advancements. She offers insights into the necessary steps for creating a more cohesive regulatory environment, drawing lessons from current initiatives and emphasising the importance of ongoing vigilance as the AI landscape evolves rapidly.
From India, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rohit Adlakha, whose extensive technology background and expertise set the stage for a discussion on the global prospects of AI regulation. With a balanced perspective, Rohit is both optimistic about the potential of AI and pragmatic about the accompanying challenges. He actively advocates for a transformative approach to integrating AI into various industries on the international stage, recognising its potential to revolutionise both business and society across diverse and dynamic sectors.
Saxton Bampfylde is a member of Panorama, our international community that enables us to apply our established research model across different time zones and engage with leaders worldwide. Our global Panorama community plays a vital role in ensuring a truly interconnected international approach to our work. Jim Zaniello serves as President at Vetted Solutions, one of the partner firms based in North America. Head-quartered in Washington DC, Vetted Solutions primarily focuses on government-based, regulatory, and public appointment searches. We are delighted that Jim shares his experiences, offering insightful snapshots on the theme of this edition.
We do hope you enjoy this edition and welcome any feedback you may have.
