Portrait of Boris Johnson
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Boris Johnson on Artificial Intelligence

Enthusiastic AI user (strong)

Boris Johnson views Artificial Intelligence and tools like ChatGPT with considerable enthusiasm, stating he "loves" the technology and uses it frequently in his post-premiership life, particularly for writing his books.

He sees AI as a transformative force, highlighting its potential to revolutionize various sectors, including government efficiency. Johnson suggests the UK, as a tech leader, should utilize this technology to streamline processes for large infrastructure projects and thereby cut public expenditure.

During his time as Prime Minister, Johnson also highlighted the dual nature of emerging technologies like AI at the United Nations. He warned of dangers such as digital authoritarianism and mass surveillance while simultaneously championing the potential benefits for society and inviting global leaders to a UK summit on AI safety.

Context

As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson addressed Artificial Intelligence on the world stage, framing the technology as one of the most significant forces reshaping the future, on par with the steam engine or nuclear power. His focus was on balancing innovation with necessary regulation and oversight.

This engagement reflects the UK's broader ambition under his leadership to be a global leader in AI development and governance, which continued into his post-premiership activities by endorsing its utility for personal writing and public sector savings.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy Initiative
    Invited world leaders to a UK summit to establish consensus on the risks of AI and agree on global principles for its development.
  2. International Advocacy
    Warned of AI risks such as chemical/biological weapons, terrorism, and runaway machines during a UN speech.
  3. Policy Proposal
    Mentioned plans to establish an AI agency similar to the IPCC and a safety research institute to manage potential security risks.

Key Quotes

I love AI. I love ChatGPT. I love it. ChatGPT is fantastic. It's so nice. I'm writing various books, and I you know but I just use it I just ask questions.

Interview on AI Arabiya's English channel October 16, 2025 — Admitting his personal use of ChatGPT for writing books after leaving office.

We should be using that lead to cut the cost of government and if you cut the cost of government, you can put that money back into the pockets of people and stimulate growth.

Interview on AI Arabiya's English channel October 16, 2025 — Proposing leveraging UK AI leadership to reduce government costs.

How we design the emerging technologies behind these breakthroughs and what values inform their design will shape the future of humanity.

Speech at the UN General Assembly September 24, 2019 — Stressing the importance of ethical design in new technology like AI.

I see great promise in this technology because we're all simple. We're human beings.

Interview on AI Arabiya's English channel October 16, 2025 — Expressing optimism about AI's transformative potential.

Related Positions

  • Big Tech Power Johnson warned about the pervasive surveillance facilitated by connected devices (IoT) and data collection, which he analogized to oil fields.
  • Online Safety Bill Legislation introduced during his premiership included an Online Safety Bill aimed at imposing a duty of care on online companies, which relates to governing digital platforms where AI operates.

Criticism

Public/Commentators

His post-premiership use of ChatGPT for book writing has drawn attention to intellectual authorship and originality, especially given the large advance he received for his memoir.

Sources6

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.