Written questions by Fortune.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged in numerous discussions with various stakeholders and government departments as part of the broader effort to ensure the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, was comprehensive and aligned with the government’s ambition for growth. The Government Office for Technology Transfer plays a crucial role in accelerating government innovations towards the market, driving growth, and delivering new products and services for citizens. As Government takes the Plan forward it will continue to engage widely.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with Horizon Europe on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier.The Action Plan was informed by a series of external roundtables with experts from across the AI ecosystem including civil society, academia, investors, and industry, including from UKRI. The department also regularly engages with the Horizon Programme and the responsible EU officials. These discussions have informed the action plan and continue to shape our ongoing work.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the UKRI on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Geospatial Commission on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier.The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged in numerous discussions with various stakeholders and government departments as part of the broader effort to ensure the AI Opportunities Action Plan was comprehensive and aligned with the government’s ambition for growth. The Geospatial Commission is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Officials in geospatial and AI policy engage regularly, including on the AI Action Plan.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with Innovate UK on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with businesses on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier.The Action Plan has been informed by a series of external roundtables with experts from across the AI ecosystem. These discussions covered key areas such as the collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a robust AI ecosystem and to unmask the potential economic impact of AI technologies. As the Government takes the Plan forward, it will continue to engage widely with these stakeholders to ensure its implementation.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Horizon Europe on opportunities for research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, published on 17 December 2024.

The Intellectual Property Office launched the ‘Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Consultation’ on 17th December 2024. As per the Governments Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the document is published in HTML format, making it easier for users to find and navigate. The survey for users to respond to is also hosted on an accessible platform. We provided a PDF version, as per Government guidance on publishing official documents. The summary of responses is in open format (Government standard) complying with accessibility guidelines and providing ease of use. As with all of our publications, users can request an alternative format by emailing information@ipo.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

The Secretary of State has not had any conversations with the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) on this topic. The Home Office are responsible for policy related to detecting, preventing, and removing child sexual abuse images created by generative digital AI and Ofcom are responsible for implementing measures in the Online Safety Act 2023 that relate to detecting, preventing, and removing child sexual abuse images created by generative digital AI. GOTT helps to accelerate government’s innovations towards the market to impact growth and deliver new products and services for citizens. GOTT provides direct practical expert support, grant funding for specific opportunities, access to networks, and guidance to central government departments and arm’s length bodies.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to produce a domestic research strategy for (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with businesses on the UK's approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with universities on the UK's approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Regulatory Innovation Office on (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of AI regulation in (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence.

AI generated child sexual abuse images are illegal material. It is an offence to produce, store or share any material that contains or depicts child sexual abuse, regardless of whether the material depicts a real child or not.The government engages regularly with the tech sector, including AI companies, to support them in making their platforms safer for children.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with UK Research and Innovation on their approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the call for evidence on DSIT Central Statistics User Engagement Exercise, published on 18 December 2024.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology launched the call for evidence ‘DSIT Central Statistics User Engagement Exercise’ on GOV.UK on 18 December 2024, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/dsit-central-statistics-user-engagement-exerciseAs per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the user engagement exercise document is published in HTML format to make it easier to read and to find. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is hosted on an accessible platform. The option to respond directly via email is also provided.Users who have queries on the user engagement exercise were invited to contact statistics@dsit.gov.uk

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding there was into thalassaemia research in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

DSIT funds medical research through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Health and Social Care funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) supports the best sc...

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding there was into human immunodeficiency disease research in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

DSIT funds medical research through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Health and Social Care funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) supports the best sc...

Innovation and Technology, how much Government funding there was into vitamin B12 deficiency research in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that funding.

DSIT funds medical research through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Health and Social Care funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) supports the best sc...