Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a surprising career move, taking on paid advisory roles with tech giants Microsoft and Anthropic. This news has sparked curiosity and raised questions about the potential influence of these appointments.
The Tech Turnaround
Sunak, who recently served as the UK's Prime Minister, has now become a tech advisor, a move that has caught many off guard. But here's where it gets controversial: the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) has set strict rules for Sunak, prohibiting him from lobbying ministers on behalf of these companies.
Sunak himself is excited about this new chapter, stating he's "delighted" to work with these leading tech firms. He plans to donate his earnings to a charity he founded, focusing on tackling numeracy issues in the UK.
AI and Geopolitics
During his premiership, Sunak prioritized tech regulation, particularly in the realm of AI. He organized an AI safety summit in 2023, showcasing his interest in this field. Now, his role at Microsoft involves providing strategic insights on geopolitical trends, a unique perspective given his political background.
Anthropic, an AI startup, sees Sunak as an "internal think tank" due to his expertise. However, Acoba warns that Anthropic's interest in UK government policy could give Sunak's appointment an unfair advantage.
The Silicon Valley Speculation
There were rumors that Sunak might leave politics for a role in Silicon Valley, especially given his ties to California. But he has vowed to stay connected to his constituency, calling it "the greatest place on Earth."
And this is the part most people miss: Sunak's new roles will allow him to shape the future of technology, an area he's passionate about. He believes we're on the cusp of a technological revolution, and he wants to ensure it benefits everyone.
So, what do you think? Is this a smart move for Sunak, or does it raise ethical concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments!
