The UK and US have signed a landmark agreement to collaborate on developing rigorous testing for advanced AI systems, representing a major step forward in ensuring their safe deployments.

The Memorandum of Understanding – signed Monday by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo – establishes a partnership to align the scientific approaches of both countries in rapidly iterating robust evaluation methods for cutting-edge AI models, systems, and agents.

Under the deal, the UK’s new AI Safety Institute and the upcoming US organisation will exchange research expertise with the aim of mitigating AI risks, including how to independently evaluate private AI models from companies such as OpenAI. The partnership is modelled on the security collaboration between GCHQ and the National Security Agency.

“This agreement represents a landmark moment, as the UK and the United States deepen our enduring special relationship to address the defining technology challenge of our generation,” stated Donelan. “Only by working together can we address the technology’s risks head on and harness its enormous potential to help us all live easier and healthier lives.”

The partnership follows through on commitments ma