Scottish Government joins international alliance on AI and cybersecurity 

The minister told The Herald the alliance will discuss deploying new technology to “maximise growth and improve our public services.”

Mr Lochhead will also participate in discussions about potentially joining the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Charter, which aims to protect essential satellites by eradicating harmful space debris.   

It is understood the UK Government is not part of this alliance. 

The news comes after SNP MSP Emma Roddick urged the Scottish and UK Governments to do more to tackle the dangers of Artificial intelligence. 

Ms Roddick told The Herald she was particularly anxious about cases where the technology has been used to create sexualised images, particularly in schools.

READ MORE: 

SNP MSP Emma Roddick in calls for urgent AI regulation

Gender pay gap rises by 30% in Scotland

Carer Support Payment introduced Scotland-wide 

DETA brings together 17 nations and aims to promote the benefits of new technology – such as AI, cybersecurity and space – while protecting human rights and democracy across the world.

The initiative will focus on adapting public policies worldwide by anticipating the impact of “disruptive technologies” on societies. 

Mr Lochhead said: “By coming together, we can harness the transformative potential of new technologies, such as AI, while ensuring that threats are minimised and human rights protected.

 “Scotland is already a world leader in important new markets. We have ambitions to further expand the space sector, which already has more than 200 companies operating in Scotland, and our critical technologies supercluster currently has more than 140 companies generating £3.6 billion for the Scottish economy.

 “Working with the world’s most exciting tech economies, we will seek to identify further opportunities for growth and secure new investment.

DETA  involves 17 city, regional and devolved governments including Massachusetts, Quebec, the Welsh Government and regions from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Argentina, Japan, USA and Canada.

Its main focus areas are Artificial Intelligence, New Space, Quantum, Cybersecurity and Digital Rights and Tech Regulations.

Governments in DETA are represented by Ministers responsible for Technology and/or Digital Affairs, convening at the annual Ministerial Summit.

DETA’s presidency, chosen by consensus, rotates among member governments biennially. Catalonia holds the rotating presidency in 2024 & 2025.

The UK Government has been contacted for comment.