On Wednesday, the UK government revealed a new deal with Google to provide free technology and AI training to public services across the country, including the NHS and councils, expanding the role of AI companies with government contracts.
On September 7, the government is set to conduct a second national trial of its Emergency Alerts system to improve national safety and resilience. This week is a turning point for public services in the UK as they embrace technology to enhance efficiency and prepare themselves for emergencies.
The deal with Google will perceive sophisticated tools and AI capabilities introduced by civil servants for free, with no expense to taxpayers. Simultaneously, lessons learned from past emergency alert trials are informing the government of preparations to ensure critical information is communicated promptly during an emergency.
Google’s Technology Alliance
The UK government’s new alliance with Google is to bring in new cloud computing, AI, and machine learning to public services. Google Cloud will help deliver technology that will replace old systems, which have been putting major services at risk of cyber-attacks for years.
The initiative includes training hundreds of thousands of civil servants in AI, emphasizing the role of every AI company with government contracts in changing how public systems operate.
The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) highlighted that Google’s involvement will allow the public sector to break the “decade old ‘ball and chain’ legacy contracts.”
Google DeepMind – led by Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis – will also collaborate with government specialists in order to speed up scientific breakthroughs and further public service performance.
However, concerns have also been voiced about the risks of trusting a US technology giant and AI outsourcing sovereignty. Critics have made concerns about UK data protection and the stranglehold of companies aligned with disputed political figures.
“How is the government going to be able to hold Trump-supporting US big tech giants to any kind of serious account on this – or any other issue – after we’ve given Google the keys to the data kingdom? It’s hard to see this as anything other than dangerously naive on the part of Peter Kyle [the science and technology secretary] and government as a whole,” warned Martha Dark, Foxglove co-executive director.
The list of government AI contracts includes partnerships not just with Google, but also Microsoft, OpenAI, and others. Kyle said UK firms would still get “a fair shot” at public projects, despite warnings that deals like these may place market power in the hands of techs giants
UK National Test of Alert System
Besides enhancing online public services with government public AI contracts, the UK is prioritizing safety via the Emergency Alerts system. In September, mobile phones users will emit a high-pitched siren and vibrate for roughly ten seconds to test the system.
“Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it,” said Pat McFadden, Duchy of Lancaster Chancellor.
Before, the government will conduct a public awareness campaign to engage with all groups, including vulnerable communities and British Sign Language users. The drill is part of a larger $475 million investment by DSIT to enhance the UK’s telecoms networks and overall emergency awareness. Experts are also watching how AI might support future emergency tools in areas like AI UK government and military drone contracts.
One past example includes the Faculty AI UK military drone contract, which raised debate over the use of machine learning in defense. This twin focus on advancing technology in public services and securing the country by enhancing alert systems is a demonstration of the commitment of AI companies with government contracts for a more resilient future.
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