The Government Launches Swedish AI Model
The Swedish government has announced a new AI strategy focused on developing a high-quality Swedish language model that reflects Swedish values.
The Swedish government's recent decision to implement a national AI strategy is significant as it emphasizes the need for a Swedish language model that embodies local culture and values. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the importance of creating AI that is not merely translations but captures the essence of Swedish history, traditions, and values. This initiative aims to develop AI technology that can better serve the Swedish population by accurately understanding and processing the language in a culturally relevant manner.
The project is set to collaborate with financial backers from the Wallenberg Foundations, utilizing the supercomputer Berzelius at Linköping University. It will involve training the model with extensive datasets derived from public sector information, Swedish literature, and materials from Swedish news outlets. This comprehensive data approach will aid in the creation of a language model that reflects the nuances and intricacies of the Swedish language.
Involving media stakeholders, such as Tidningsutgivarna, the initiative underscores the importance of respecting copyright in AI development. Anders Eriksson, the chair of Tidningsutgivarna, has pointed out that while fostering advancements in AI, it is crucial to maintain the rights of original content creators, ensuring that the data used for training the new model adheres to legal standards and ethical practices.