In his final speech to the House of Lords following his retirement, the Bishop of Oxford backed calls for governments to regulate artificial intelligence as he warned of the risks posed by rapid technological change.
Bishop Steven told the Lords: “The speed of change, and the significant power unleashed, make this revolution distinct from other technical developments in the past, because there is a risk that the speed of change will itself undermine the very benefits that change brings."
Bishop Steven was speaking in a 24 July debate brought by Baroness Kidron on national sovereignty and digital and technology policy.
He told peers he was ‘immensely grateful’ for having had the chance to serve in the House of Lords and on the Select Committees on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change.
Speaking at the start of the debate, Baroness Kidron paid tribute to Bishop Steven’s leadership in campaigning for digital systems to reflect ethics and values.
Responding on behalf of the House of Lords, Lord Clement Jones, the Liberal Democrat peer, paid tribute to Bishop Steven's record describing him as an 'influential and instrumental voice' in the Lords on AI.
"It is very fitting that his last contribution to this House should be in a debate on digital sovereignty,” he said.
"With his insights, collaborative spirit, friendship and enduring dedication to ethical innovation and policy making, he will be greatly missed."
Read the full story on The Church of England website.
