GSK, Cyber & AI, responsible use of AI policy
Details of engagement:
EOS have been engaging with GSK on a range of topics since 2011, including on executive remuneration, drug development pipeline plans and its sustainability strategy. At a meeting in November 2023, they raised the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of discussion in order to understand how the company views AI and what potential use cases it may have. Given the importance of research and innovation to its future growth, the company was encouraged to develop a public position and policy on AI, to demonstrate that it is developing and using AI within a responsible and ethical framework. The company acknowledged our concerns and said that it would reach out to us as it sought to develop a public position and policy on AI.
At the beginning of 2024, the company reached out with its draft Responsible Use of AI Policy and offered a chance to provide feedback and additional input on the policy. Providing feedback to the company based on a review of peer disclosures, and EOS’ also shared Digital Rights Principles for consideration. Feedback provided included a request for explicit detail on which board members had oversight of AI usage, as well as clarity on what reporting structures and procedures were in place for AI use. The company thanked EOS for their feedback and stated that they would seek to implement their feedback where plausible.
Outcomes and next steps:
In March 2024, the company reached out to confirm that it has published its Responsible Use of AI Policy on its website. The company stated that it was able to implement some of the feedback directly as part of the final policy, such as including explicit detail on which board members had oversight of AI usage, as well as clarity on what reporting structures and procedures were in place for AI use. The company also stated that it would seek to provide more information on other feedback areas through different methods, such as case studies.
The company’s responsiveness and engagement on this topic has been very positive, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue as the issue develops further.
At time of publication GSK is held in our UK Equity, Low Volatility Global Equity, Passive Developed Equities, CTB Passive Global Equities, PAB Passive Global Equities, Passive Smart Beta and Passive UK Equities portfolios.
