21
There is a strong risk that the urgent security challenges faced by the UK’s telecommunications...
Recommendation
There is a strong risk that the urgent security challenges faced by the UK’s telecommunications sector are indicative of a wider, and growing, geopolitical development. Throughout our inquiry, we have heard of the prospect of a growing technological and regulatory divergence between China, and countries aligned with China, and other countries. This is not restricted to telecommunications or even cyber security—artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and synthetic biology are just some examples of other emerging technology sectors that will be prominent in our future economy and security, and in which there is the potential for different technical and regulatory standards to apply. The Government should not regard the problems posed by 5G addressed in this Report as a one-off, but more likely illustrative of a wider challenge.
Paragraph Reference
85
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
” Digital and emerging technologies are reshaping economies, transforming our daily lives and our societies. As a future frontier of the global economy, there is an imperative to promote and harness this innovation, not only to power domestic growth, but also to tackle the most pressing global challenges—from public health to climate change. Whilst new frontiers bring prosperity and wellbeing opportunities, they also raise important questions about the interaction between economic opportunity, security and ethics, and the balance between the role of the state, business and individuals. Emerging technologies are built on an ecosystem of institutions, laws, rules and norms that comprise the international order. For emerging technologies these are loosely defined, rapidly evolving, and the source of increasing geopolitical tension. How these norms, rules, and standards are developed has, and will continue to have, far reaching effects on our society, security and future prosperity. The Government has therefore committed in the Integrated Review for the UK to be more active in shaping the open international order of the future: using our convening power and working with others to ensure it is fit for the 21st century and more resilient to short-term shocks and long-term challenges. Building coalitions of like-minded nations around common values, including through our G7 Presidency and the Future Tech Forum will be central to our response to these challenges. DCMS is leading the G7’s Digital and Tech Ministerial Track which seeks to demonstrate the need for a trusted, values-driven digital ecosystem that can enhance prosperity in a way that is both inclusive and sustainable. Beyond the G7, DCMS is leading work on the Future Tech Forum. The Forum will seek to create a sustained dialogue with a broader set of international partners, building consensus around the core principles that guide the evolution of the international technology ecosystem, in support of shared democratic values. It will also consider how the international community can harness digital technologies to tackle shared global challenges. In Artificial Intelligence, we are shaping emerging norms and normative frameworks as a founder member of GPAI—the Global Partnership on AI—which has a focus on ethics and responsibility. The UK has helped develop GPAI’s terms of reference and memorandum of understanding for an OECD hosted secretariat, and led on establishing work plans across data governance and responsible use of AI. Within its terms of reference, GPAI adopts the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a central mission. Other members are: France, Canada, Australia, the European Union, (Germany, Italy and Slovenia are also independent signatories), India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States of America. Our ability to shape future technology standards and norms, as well as to respond to the challenges brought by potential future technological divergence, will come in no small measure by the strengths of our capacity to innovate and bring new technologies to market. DCMS is preparing a Digital Strategy, and a National Data Strategy which will complement the BEIS Innovation Strategy to be published in the summer. These, together with the Defence Science and Technology Strategy, and AI Strategy will set out how the UK will achieve its goal and approach to critical and emerging technologies.
Source
Report
Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
04 Feb 2021
HC 450
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.3 yrs
Report published
04 Feb 2021