Minister tells Turing AI institute to focus on defence

The UK government has directed the Alan Turing Institute, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) research institute, to focus its efforts on strengthening the country's defence capabilities. According to Peter Kyle, the minister responsible for science, technology, and innovation, the institute should prioritize projects that can enhance the UK's AI-powered military and security applications. The decision reflects the government's emphasis on leveraging AI technology for national defence and security purposes. The minister highlighted the importance of the institute's work in advancing the UK's AI competencies, particularly in areas such as data analysis, decision-making support, and autonomous systems. The directive comes as the government continues to invest in the development of AI and other emerging technologies, with the goal of maintaining the UK's technological edge and bolstering its strategic position. While the Alan Turing Institute's research has traditionally spanned a broad range of applications, this new focus on defence-oriented projects underscores the government's priorities in the field of AI.