Although a debate on the issue was attended by only 15 parliamentarians, contributors from across the political spectrum called for regulations to help protect the potential harm caused by artificial intelligence.

Scottish MPs from all political parties have urgently called for regulation of artificial intelligence before it is “too late”.

During a members’ business debate proposed by SNP MP Emma Roddick on the dangers and risks posed by AI, participants called for a rapid approach to legislation to ensure AI is mainstreamed ” safely” in all sectors. Yet although MPs agreed the issue should be given more parliamentary time, the debate took place in an almost empty room, with fewer MPs present.

Members highlighted the opportunities offered by AI in sectors such as health and education, but cautioned against the importance of controlling the rapid development of the technology.

Roddick said: “Lawmakers around the world must decide, and decide quickly, how comfortable we are with AI reaching into particular areas and what limits should be placed on it, bearing in mind that AI learns from humans… So, if society is racist, AI can be racist; if we value men over women, AI will learn to do the same.

She added: “We need to tell those developing AI models where they can’t take their technology, before it’s too late. »

Roddick insisted that workers’ rights be extended to the implications of AI, adding that they should have the right to have a say in the decisions that have been delegated to AI.

She also highlighted concerns about the amount of energy AI uses, adding that it is not a “sustainable industry” and its growth may not be worth its climate costs. The SNP member then highlighted gaps in education around online misinformation, adding that it was failing to catch up with growing access to AI-generated content.

Although Conservative MP Brian Whittle agreed with Roddick, he warned that “doomsday scenarios” could cause Scotland to miss out on the benefits of AI.

He highlighted the potential of technology to free up time for frontline healthcare staff, as well as improve the care of people with cancer.

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He said: “AI carries risks, but that is true of almost all technologies…and while AI may be a powerful new technology with dangers we have never encountered before, it is not no reason to bury oneself or bury one’s head in the sand. because AI is coming whether we’re ready or not, and I for one would much rather be ready.

Labor MP Michael Marra, who was his party’s only representative in the debate, said that “to wish for the abandonment of artificial intelligence would be like wishing for the steam engine or the wheel”.

He added: “This technology will not be abandoned, so we need to ensure that there is more than just talk of a large net benefit and desperate mitigation of the worst of the risks. »

He then warned of the risk of hostile nations using AI and robots to influence democratic processes.

“We know Russia does this. We know this is happening today in the United States. We know this happened here in 2014. It’s a real current issue that needs to be addressed,” he said.

Closing the debate, Business Minister Richard Lochhead said he had been encouraged by the new Westminster Labor government about the potential for “close dialogue” between governments on the impact of AI in Scotland and decentralized issues: “Unfortunately, most AI regulations remain within the debate. the jurisdiction of the British government. But we have been encouraged since the recent election by a slight understanding of the need to ensure safe and transparent oversight of AI.

He added: “We want more to be done and, of course, we will continue to discuss these issues with the UK Government. And we will do this to ensure that the interests of Scotland’s people and businesses are considered in any future AI regulations, such as the AI ​​Bill mentioned in the King’s Speech.”

A version of this story was originally published in PublicTechnology’s sister publication. Holyrood