"When the billionaire chief executive of AI chipmaker Nvidia threw a party in central London for Donald Trump's state visit in September, the power imbalance between Silicon Valley and British politicians was vividly exposed. Jensen Huang hastened to the stage after meetings at Chequers and rallied his hundreds of guests to cheer on the power of AI. In front of a huge Nvidia logo, he urged the venture capitalists before him to herald a new industrial revolution,"
"But his biggest party trick was a surprise guest waiting in the wings. At Huang's cue, the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, walked out as the crowd whooped at Huang's pulling power. Starmer, looking slightly dazed, saluted his host's absolutely phenomenal presentation, told the audience about how he had been texting away with Huang and effusively thanked one of the world's richest men for his confidence in what we are doing, in your investment, your foresight."
US AI industry leaders use high-profile events, investment pledges and personal gifts to cultivate close ties with senior UK politicians and ministers. Nvidia's chief executive hosted a London event, publicly celebrated AI investment, and showcased relationships with the prime minister and cabinet members. Ministers accepted praise and bespoke gifts, signaling alignment with private tech power. OpenAI and other AI firms have hired former UK senior officials into advisory and executive roles. The pattern of lavish patronage and revolving-door appointments amplifies Silicon Valley influence over UK AI investment priorities and political decision-making.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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