LONDON — Technology Secretary Liz Kendall adjusted the government’s TechFirst artificial intelligence (AI) training scheme and launched summer skills camps for young people in England. The TechFirst AI training scheme, which has a budget of £187 million, will now direct 40 percent of its intended reach to disadvantaged schools. Separate summer skills camps began in the north-east and north-west of England for young individuals not in education, employment, or training (Neet).

These skills camps initially offer 60 places in the north-west and 20 places in the north-east. The scheme in the north-east operates within a government plan for an AI growth zone in that region. The schemes receive funding through the Youth Guarantee program. Kendall commented on the broader implications of AI, noting that jobs would be created, changed, or lost.

Kendall stated the importance of ensuring AI benefits all sectors, including the National Health Service (NHS), and affirmed support for British AI companies. She noted that the government aims to ensure the technology works for workers and people living in the most disadvantaged areas, not just a powerful, unaccountable few.

Kendall also addressed the government’s review of regulations concerning AI chatbots, live-streaming in gaming, and age-verification measures, but declined to comment on a government consultation regarding a ban on social media for individuals under 16. She clarified the scope of the review: “We’re not just looking at social media for under-16s, yes or no. We’re looking at issues like ‘stranger pairing’ and livestreaming in gaming. We are looking at AI chatbots.”

Kendall emphasized the need for collective action in shaping AI’s impact. “The choice is between shaping it to work for us or being left at its mercy and its whim,” Kendall said. She added that everybody must have a chance to seize the opportunities from AI, ensuring people and places that most need a decent shot at life get the chances and choices they deserve.