The UK government has announced it will launch an AI assurance platform designed to help businesses identify and mitigate the potential risk and harms of AI technology.

It said that the platform will capitalise on the growing demand for AI assurance tools and services whilst helping businesses to meet international standards on AI assurance as well as enabling UK companies to safely develop and deploy AI.

Assurance is designed to ensure AI systems work as intended and are fair, transparent, and protect individual privacy, which the government explained would help to increase public trust in the technology.

The platform will offer guidance and new practical resources which set out clear steps, such as how businesses can carry out impact assessments and review data used in AI systems to check for bias.

The government said that additional support will see businesses able to use a self-assessment tool to implement responsible AI management practices in their organisations.

The government predicts the UK’s market for ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems will grow around six-fold over the next decade and generate over £6.5 billion.

Around 524 firms currently make up this portion of the UK’s AI sector, with the government estimating they employ more than 12,000 people and generate more than £1 billion.

“AI has incredible potential to improve our public services, boost productivity and rebuild our economy but, in order to take full advantage, we need to build trust in these systems which are increasingly part of our day to day lives,” said Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology. “The steps I’m announcing today will help to deliver exactly that – giving businesses the support and clarity they need to use AI safely and responsibly while also making the UK a true hub of AI assurance expertise.”

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