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Baroness Stowell of Beeston, Chair of the Communications and Digital Committee, writes to Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology following the publication of the Government’s response to the Committee’s report ‘Large language models and generative AI’.

• Government response to the Committee's report 'Large language models and generative AI'
• Response from the Chair to Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, dated 2 May 2024
• Report: Large Language Models and generative AI (HTML)
• Report: Large Language Models and generative AI (PDF)
• Inquiry: Large language models
• Communications and Digital Committee

Chair’s response

In her letter Baroness Stowell emphasises the concerns regarding market consolidation in the AI and Large Language Model sector, and the risks of limited competition and regulatory capture. The letter calls for market competition to be made “an explicit policy objective” for the Government that is “embedded within the design and review process for new policies and standards” in AI.

The letter also criticises the Government’s work on copyright as “inadequate and deteriorating”, arguing that the Government is “avoiding taking sides on a contentious topic”.

In the letter Baroness Stowell says:

“The Government’s reticence to take meaningful action amounts to a de facto endorsement of tech firms’ practices.

“That reflects poorly on this Government’s commitment to British businesses, fair play and the equal application of the law.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committee
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees