Abu dhabi: The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden KCB CBE MP, former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has stressed the need for global cooperation between governments and industry to address the escalating threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI). He described the BRIDGE Summit 2025 as a pivotal platform for formulating such responses.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sir Oliver shared his insights on tackling misinformation and disinformation during the second day of the BRIDGE Summit at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Drawing from his experience as the UK’s digital and culture secretary, he emphasized the evolving nature of creativity and the significant role global creators can play in this landscape. He highlighted the broader regulatory challenges that are being discussed at the summit.
Sir Oliver underscored the necessity of collaboration between governments and private industry to effectively tackle major technological risks, including AI-generated false images and misinformation spreading on social media. He reiterated that such cooperation is crucial in addressing the most pressing issues faced by societies today, reinforcing the significance of summits like BRIDGE.
He also pointed out the critical role of international collaboration, recalling his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 on AI’s threats and opportunities. He had advocated for a new multilateral approach to ensure AI’s benefits are harnessed responsibly while acknowledging the challenges it presents. The summit serves as an essential forum for promoting these ideas.
In his capacity as chair of the United Kingdom-Emirati Parliamentary Group, Sir Oliver noted the group’s importance in enhancing bilateral relations. He urged policymakers and industry leaders to engage with new technologies directly and build partnerships to fully leverage emerging tools.
Throughout his discussions, Sir Oliver observed the promising partnerships forming between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, as well as between the private technology sector and governmental bodies, highlighting an exciting agenda for future cooperation.