Chief Minister announces new 'National Office for AI Development and Regulation'

Says it's hoped it will be established before the end of this year

The Isle of Man Government is to establish a new 'National Office for AI Development and Regulation'.

The chief minister made the announcement during his welcome address at the fourth Isle of Man Government Conference.

Alfred Cannan says that the capabilities of artificial intelligence will significantly challenge the status quo and that those who are unprepared will struggle to remain competitive.

He also highlighted the potential risks to the economy that come from such rapid changes in technology, saying these also needed consideration.

He said: "The public and private sectors must work in lockstep to realise and recognise the benefits and opportunities presented by rapid advancements in technology.

"Establishing a National Office for AI Development and Regulation will enable both government and business to work together in co-ordinating and driving forward the Island’s response to the AI revolution.”

He added: "It is clear that as part of the development of this technology, governments are going to be challenged to regulate.  

"The EU’s recent Artificial Intelligence Act is an indication of where things may be heading, and the Isle of Man inevitably will have to consider its position.  

"Of course, regulation may also give us opportunity if we can figure out where regulation or legislation can give us competitive advantage."

It's hoped that the new National Office for AI Development and Regulation will be established before the end of this year, and government says it will also play a role in bringing forward its plans to digitise public services and improve efficiency as part of its efforts to save £50 million over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Mr Cannan also announced the government is going to 'refresh its economic strategy' to 'reflect the pace and scale of global change'.

He said 'the core foundations' of its strategy, ‘Our Island, Our Future’, which was approved by Tynwald in November 2022, 'remain a good basis on which to continue to move the Island forward'.  

However, he says 'it would be irresponsible not to adjust the Government’s thinking in a world that is rapidly changing'.

Mr Cannan said: "Having an updated view of our forward outlook is an essential legacy from this administration.  

"I will therefore be tasking a high-level advisory board to determine the questions that need to be asked and to bring together the changes that are needed in the short to medium term."