The AI in Security Workshop was a three-day event held at the UK Parliament organised by CPA UK. Delivered in partnership with international think tank Chatham House, the workshop covered pressing topics concerning artificial intelligence within various security fields. 

In total, 30 parliamentarians from 15 legislatures from the Commonwealth and Crown Dependencies participated. They took part in a combination of interactive sessions and panel discussions, all touching on how artificial intelligence capabilities can be an opportunity as well as a challenge for democratic processes. 

On day one of the workshop Lord Kamall led a discussion with Alex Krasodomski, Director of the Digital Society Programme at Chatham House. They addressed the rapidly changing perspectives on AI governance within the last two years, highlighting that the management of data in training AI models will become an increasingly important part of ensuring good AI governance. This particular topic resonated strongly for many delegates, especially those representing small and medium states.  

Deputy Alexandra Kazantseva-Miller from States of Deliberation, Guernsey said: 

“The AI landscape is changing so rapidly that a workshop like this one is incredibly useful for small nation states, like mine. It keeps us informed, we can learn about the approaches that other jurisdictions have taken, and we can increase our understanding about AI. The international network that CPAUK provides is invaluable in getting a fresh perspective from across the world. We’ve also been exposed to the latest thinking through leading and respected institutions like Chatham House.” 

National and international security were other areas covered by the workshop. Delegates engaged in conversations about how AI can improve security as well as highlight areas of potential vulnerabilities.  

Teanau Tuiono, Member of the New Zealand Parliament, said: 

“I found this event valuable in helping to understand AI's impact on security and defence, it also helped us to share common concerns across our different countries, highlighting the need for collaboration to address the growing power imbalance between nation-states, tech companies, and the negative impacts on democracy.” 

The workshop was very consciously designed to encourage open and candid discussions between delegates, who explored what AI is capable of, and how those capabilities can be used to improve pre-existing processes. This included the day-to-day work of parliamentarians and their teams to support their departmental work more efficiently. 

Connétable Mike Jackson from State Assembly in Jersey said: 

“The workshop has enlightened me to the potential advantages and risks when using AI in government administration. I look forward to putting it to constructive use in the areas I’m responsible for in Jersey.” 

CPA UK continues to create spaces for parliamentarians to engage in peer-to-peer learning and networking. This provides parliamentarians with access to expert information as well as the comparative knowledge to apply within their own contexts.