UK AI Strategy Architect Joins Anthropic, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns

Former UK AI Strategist Joins Anthropic

Matt Clifford, who previously served as an AI opportunities adviser for the UK government and was instrumental in developing its AI strategy, has taken on a senior role at the US AI startup Anthropic. He will serve as managing director, international affairs, leading Anthropic's engagement with governments outside the US, including in the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India.

Conflict of Interest Concerns Raised

Clifford's new position at Anthropic has drawn criticism due to his intention to retain his role as chair of Aria (Advanced Research and Invention Agency), a UK government-backed body that funds science and technology projects, many of which are AI-related. Chi Onwurah, head of the House of Commons science, innovation and technology committee, stated this represents a "clear conflict of interest" and called for intervention from the AI minister.

Clifford's Continued Roles

In addition to chairing Aria, Clifford will also maintain his position as chair of Entrepreneurs First, a tech venture capital firm he co-founded. While it is understood that Clifford will recuse himself from any Aria matters involving Anthropic, critics argue that the dual roles still present a conflict, particularly given Aria's funding of cutting-edge research relevant to AI.

Industry Context and Precedent

This move follows a trend of former UK government officials transitioning to roles within major tech companies. Examples include former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg joining Meta, and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak taking advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic, and ex-Chancellor George Osborne joining OpenAI. Clifford stated that decisions about AI will be made by companies and governments together, and his role is to make Anthropic a partner in that process.