Rishi Sunak has warned that the NHS is “at huge risk” of an attack by terrorists who plan to exploit cutting-edge technology as the “ultimate weapon” to harm Britain’s health-care system.
The Prime Minister has showed his understanding of the gravity of the situation by announcing plans to convene the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) summit later this year.
But Steven Mooney, CEO of online investment platform FundMyPitch, believes Britain is already lagging behind when it comes to AI investment – and may reap the whirlwind unless the Government ups its game.
Mr Mooney said: “Britain is a falling way behind when it comes to investment in AI.
“Our country is home to hundreds of up-and-coming companies, yet the majority of them are being starved of investment and struggling to get the financial support they need to grow.
“We need a complete overhaul of the way we approach tech investment, recognising that the skills of these entrepreneurs is key not only to the future of our economy, but protecting critical national infrastructure like the NHS.”
AI startups were vital when it came to revolutionising organisations such the NHS, with the potential for reducing tedious admin for doctors and nurses, freeing them up to focus on their jobs, but such entities needed proper support and funding in the first instance, Mr Mooney stressed.
He continued: “The Prime Minister has said that he wants the UK to be ‘the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses’, so he needs to put his money where his mouth is and recognise that other nations like the US give full backing to emerging tech companies.
“The consequences of failing to nurture home-grown AI technology will be catastrophic.
“AI is already being hijacked by cyber criminals to attack schools, universities and hospitals and we urgently need to build up our cyber defences to monitor and neutralise these threats.
“There is a huge risk to our national security if we carry on like this, and action needs to be taken, immediately.”