Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has transitioned from regulating artificial intelligence in government to taking part-time advisory roles at tech giant Microsoft and AI start-up Anthropic.
In the midst of his time in office, Sunak positioned the UK at the forefront of global technology governance. He famously hosted the world’s first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in 2023 and championed tech regulation as a core pillar of his premiership.
As per BBC Politics, known for championing global AI
regulation amidst his tenure including hosting the Summit in 2023, Sunak’s move is seen as a continuation of his efforts to shape the future of artificial intelligence from within the industry.
Sunak’s positions at both companies are strictly non-executive and advisory, concentrating on high-level strategy rather than corporate operations:
Providing high-level strategic insights on global geopolitical and economic trends.
Acting essentially as an internal think tank, advising on technology, economics, and long-term innovation strategy.
Because of his former position as Prime Minister, these appointments underwent official review.
According to the BBC, Sunak has been told he must not lobby ministers on behalf of the companies by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments(Acoba) am an independent watchdog which oversees the activities of former government figures.
Sunak remains the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton.
He announced that all earnings from his roles at Microsoft and Anthropic will be donated directly to [The Richmond Project], a charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty, to support education and social mobility.
News Edit KV Raman
