Rishi Sunak Takes Advisory Role in Microsoft and Anthropic

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has entered the tech industry after stepping away from political life, taking senior roles at the global technology powerhouse Microsoft and the artificial intelligence driven tech company (AI) Anthropic. His transition signals a wider trend where veteran policy makers offer guidance for thoughtful decision making in innovation aiming at better global changes and community-wide progress. 

Rishi Sunak will take on these roles serving part-time, providing executive level strategic insight related to the economic patterns of the world, cross-border affairs and the shifting role of technology. Advising on domestic policy and liaison with the representatives of the government, however, is restricted for Mr Sunak by the oversight authority of the UK, ACoBA. 

Sunak continues to be a Member of the Parliament even though he stepped down from his position at 10 Downing Street in mid-2024. He has also announced his plans to contribute all his earnings from his new roles to the co-founded organization, The Richmond Project, a joint venture he started with his wife Akshata Murthy, aimed at quantitative skills and social progress. 

Rishi Sunak has previously partnered with tech giants while he held his prime minister position with initiatives like the 2023 AI Safety Summit, which stands an added advantage. At Microsoft he is expected to provide guidance related to required tech strategy based on the transforming international dynamics whereas at  Anthropic Sunak will provide principles guiding AI behavior with respect to safety, ethics and impact. At the same time, he shall also remain under close surveillance ensuring the severance of all ties with governmental agencies to avoid conflicts of interest. 

With his transition to new leadership roles, Rishi Sunak shall be hovered by the ACoB critically imposing referencing rules along with the new position adorned. These include rules that bar him from making use of the privileged information he received during his time of service at the public office and influence the government with his previous public contacts at the office. Besides, he is also restricted from involvement in policies which were formulated during his tenure. 

Sunak’s announcement on donating his income from these roles and the strict rules imposed by ACoBA eschews the emerging criticisms concerning conflict of interest and builds more transparency. The existence of an authentic and ethical correlation can ensure powerful connections between the government and development in the field of artificial intelligence.