Rishi Sunak Pivots to Tech: Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as AI Adviser

In a significant post-premiership development, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed his dual appointment as a paid adviser for two of the technology world's most influential entities: Microsoft and the cutting-edge artificial intelligence firm, Anthropic. This strategic move, which has received formal approval from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), signals Sunak's deliberate shift towards the rapidly evolving field of AI, leveraging his prior experience and policy work.

Sunak’s engagement with Microsoft will see him contribute to the company's newly established AI Safety Institute.

In this part-time capacity, he will offer his insights and guidance on the development and implementation of responsible AI practices globally. Microsoft's initiative underscores a widespread industry commitment to ensuring ethical and safe technological advancements. Concurrently, he will serve in a similar part-time advisory role with Anthropic, a leading AI company renowned for its foundational research into general-purpose AI systems and its strong emphasis on AI safety and alignment.

These appointments are a natural progression for Sunak, who, during his tenure as Prime Minister, positioned the UK at the forefront of global AI governance.

He famously hosted the inaugural global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, bringing together world leaders, tech giants, and experts to discuss the future of AI. His deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape, the geopolitical implications of advanced AI, and the critical need for robust safety frameworks make him a particularly valuable asset to both organizations, poised to help shape their strategies in navigating AI's intricate challenges and opportunities.

The approval from ACOBA was granted with specific, stringent conditions designed to ensure transparency and uphold ethical standards for former ministers.

A key stipulation imposes a two-year ban on Sunak lobbying the UK government, effective from his last day in ministerial service. Furthermore, he is explicitly prohibited from undertaking any work for Microsoft or Anthropic that involves seeking to influence the UK government on their behalf. These conditions are in place to ensure a clear distinction between his past governmental responsibilities and his current advisory roles, which are firmly focused on global AI policy and non-UK government related activities.

Sunak's decision to immerse himself in the burgeoning AI sector reflects the technology's undeniable and growing importance on the global stage.

By collaborating with industry leaders, he aims to continue his advocacy for the safe, beneficial, and responsible development of AI. Both of his new roles will be transparently declared in the official Register of Members' Interests, reinforcing accountability.

This transition echoes the paths taken by other former world leaders who have moved into the private sector after leaving public office.

While the specifics of each former leader's roles have varied, Sunak's choice to concentrate on AI, a domain he championed so passionately during his premiership, underscores his sustained commitment to the technological frontier and its ethical advancement.