Glasgow Wonka scandal sparks UK firms' rethink on AI use

In light of the recent Glasgow Wonka scandal, one-third of UK business leaders have decided to withdraw their plans to use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a poll commissioned by the Parliament Street think tank. The scandal involved organisers employing AI tools to produce misleading images to boost ticket sales, coupled with distorted AI scripts for the actors' performances at the show.

The poll, carried out by independent polling agency Censuswide, involved 500 UK CEOs from diverse backgrounds. They were questioned about their use of AI, the associated security concerns, and their plans for deploying this technology across their organisations. The poll showed that the scandal had severely impacted consumer trust in AI.

More than half of the executives interviewed (51%) revealed their intent to establish an official AI code of conduct in their organisations, ensuring responsible use of the technology. A similar proportion (50%) considered arranging AI awareness courses to equip employees with knowledge of potential risks better.

A quarter of the bosses reported disciplinary actions for AI misuse, and the same number had formally prohibited the use of AI in their workplaces. When questioned about their apprehensions related to the technology, one-third raised concerns that it could be misused to mislead customers, while another third were uneasy about possible data privacy threats due to a lack of AI regulation.

Commenting on the findings, Simon Ward, the CEO of digital specialists Inspired Thinking Group, said, "The Wonka incident should serve as a wakeup call about the risks of using AI recklessly, leaving customers with a bitter aftertaste. That is why it's vital that organisations offer high-quality training for staff as well as put safeguards in place to ensure the technology is being used to give an accurate representation instead of creating a world of pure imagination."

Adding to the discussion, Derek Mackenzie, the CEO of tech recruitment provider Investigo, said, "AI is a very powerful technology, but bosses shouldn't be afraid of using it. In many cases, problems occur because organisations struggle to understand how best to use the technology and have the skillsets to deploy it correctly. That's why it's crucial to have a clear code of conduct in place and equip workers with the skills they need to operate AI tools responsibly."

The Glasgow Wonka scandal has sparked a significant shift in UK business leaders' attitudes towards generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). With one-third of CEOs withdrawing their plans for AI deployment and more than half considering implementing official codes of conduct and awareness courses, the incident has underscored the importance of responsible AI usage.

As organisations navigate the complexities of AI technology, the focus on training, safeguards, and ethical guidelines becomes paramount to rebuild consumer trust and ensure the technology's beneficial and transparent integration into business practices. Through proactive measures and a commitment to responsible AI governance, businesses can harness AI's potential while mitigating risks and safeguarding against misuse.